Union Minister George Kurian has officially launched the Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025 in Kochi, marking a transformative step toward data-driven fisheries management in India. Under the slogan “Smart Census, Smarter Fisheries,” this initiative shifts from the traditional paper-based system to a fully digital and geo-referenced census model, representing a major milestone in the nation’s Blue Economy development strategy.
Overview of the Marine Fisheries Census 2025
The MFC 2025 aims to collect granular, real-time socio-economic and resource-based data on India’s marine fisheries sector to support evidence-based policy formulation, welfare planning, and sustainable coastal development. Conducted over a 45-day period (November 3 – December 18, 2025), the census will cover approximately 1.2 million fisher households across 5,000 coastal villages in 13 coastal States and Union Territories, including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
This comprehensive digital exercise is being spearheaded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR–CMFRI) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Digital Transformation of Fisheries Data Collection
The Marine Fisheries Census 2025 marks a paradigm shift from manual data collection to a fully digital ecosystem. It is powered by three custom-built Android applications developed by ICAR–CMFRI:
- VyAS–NAV: For geo-referenced enumeration of marine fishing households and crafts.
- VyAS–BHARAT: For supervisory oversight, validation, and data quality monitoring.
- VyAS–SUTRA: For data integration, real-time analytics, and visualization via a multi-tier dashboard.
Additionally, drone-assisted monitoring will enhance transparency and provide high-resolution coastal mapping, helping to identify spatial patterns in fisheries activity and habitat usage.
Goals and Objectives of MFC 2025
The Marine Fisheries Census 2025 serves as a foundational database for the Government of India’s fisheries policies and programs. Its primary objectives include:
- Generating evidence-based data on marine fisheries demographics, socio-economic conditions, and infrastructure.
- Supporting national schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and PM–Matsya Kisan Samriddhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
- Facilitating climate-resilient coastal development through scientific resource management.
- Enabling data-driven decision-making for marine resource conservation and livelihood improvement.
- Strengthening India’s position as a global leader in sustainable fisheries governance.
Significance of the Marine Fisheries Census
The Marine Fisheries Census is a flagship national exercise conducted periodically to assess the status and dynamics of the fisheries sector, which supports millions of livelihoods along India’s 8,000 km coastline.
The 2025 edition is the first to be entirely digital, ensuring:
- Real-time data validation and updates.
- Geo-tagged enumeration for enhanced accuracy.
- Reduced manual errors and faster data processing.
- Transparent monitoring and reporting through dashboards and analytics.
- Improved coordination between central and state fisheries departments.
Union Minister George Kurian emphasized that MFC 2025 will play a critical role in empowering coastal communities, optimizing resource utilization, and building a resilient and inclusive marine economy.
Expected Outcomes
- Development of a centralized digital database of marine fishers and resources.
- Identification of gaps in welfare coverage and infrastructure needs.
- Data support for marine spatial planning and fisheries management policies.
- Enhanced implementation of climate adaptation strategies for coastal resilience.
- Better alignment of India’s Blue Economy goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025 represents a landmark shift in India’s approach to marine resource management and coastal development. Through cutting-edge technology, geo-referenced data, and real-time analytics, the census aims to make fisheries governance more efficient, transparent, and equitable. Under the leadership of Union Minister George Kurian and the technological support of ICAR–CMFRI, India is steering toward a smarter, more sustainable, and climate-resilient marine economy, truly living up to the vision of “Smart Census, Smarter Fisheries.”
