National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 Begins; Comprehensive Digital Mapping of India’s Marine Fisheries Sector

Mumbai, Oct 2025: To further strengthen India’s marine fisheries sector and ensure the holistic development of the fishing community, the Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, has formally launched the National Marine Fisheries Census 2025. This is the fifth such marine fisheries census in the country and will be conducted from November 3 to December 18, 2025.

Objectives and Features

The primary aim of this census is not merely data collection. It seeks to compile detailed information about around 12 lakh fishing households, 568 fishing villages, and 173 fish landing centres. It will also record the socio-economic conditions of fishermen, available infrastructure, livelihood resources, and the benefits received from government schemes. The comprehensive data will help guide policy formulation and development planning in India’s marine fisheries sector.

Fully Digital for the First Time

For the first time, the entire census process is being conducted through an advanced digital platform. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has developed the VyasNAV app system for this purpose. Tablets have been distributed to enumerators, and digital training and supervision systems have been introduced. Improved accuracy in census frameworks and greater transparency will speed up data collection and enhance its reliability.

A Key Step Toward Coastal Development

The results of the National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 will help design targeted government schemes, improve the living standards of fishing families, boost the marine economy, and strengthen the Blue Economy.

This initiative is expected to become a milestone in enhancing India’s marine resources and empowering the fishing community. It is believed that this ambitious effort by the Government of India will accelerate the overall upliftment of fishing communities and provide new momentum to India’s Blue Economy Mission.