First Fully Digitised National Marine Fisheries Census 2025

The National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 marks a significant leap in India’s efforts to sustainably manage its marine resources and support the welfare of the fishing community. This is the first-ever fully digitised census of its kind, leveraging technology for enhanced accuracy and efficiency.

First Fully Digitised National Marine Fisheries Census 2025

Key Highlights and Facts (Exam-Oriented)

• Launch and Execution: The census was launched by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Significance: It is the 7th National Marine Fisheries Census overall, but the first to be entirely conducted using a digital platform.
• Implementing Agencies: The census will be carried out by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) in collaboration with state/UT Fisheries Departments.
• Scope: It covers the entire coastline of India, focusing on:
  • Marine Fisherfolk: Details about their socio-economic status, education, and livelihood.
  • Fishing Craft: Information on the number, type, and size of boats/vessels (mechanised, motorised, and non-motorised).
  • Fishing Gear: Data on the types of nets and equipment used.
  • Infrastructure: Census of landing centres, ice plants, cold storages, etc.
• Technological Advancement: The data collection will be done using a dedicated Mobile Application and a comprehensive Web Portal, ensuring real-time data entry, monitoring, and validation.
• Timeline: The census is scheduled to be conducted throughout 2025.

Objectives

The main goals of this digitised census are:

1. Policy Making: To provide reliable and accurate baseline data for evidence-based policy formulation related to marine fisheries.
2. Resource Management: To assess the fishing pressure and aid in the conservation and sustainable utilisation of marine fish stocks.
3. Welfare Schemes: To facilitate the effective delivery of welfare schemes and development programs for marine fisherfolk.
4. Database Creation: To establish a robust, frequently updated National Database of marine fisheries resources and the fishing community.

Relevance to Schemes

The data collected will be crucial for the successful implementation and monitoring of flagship schemes like:

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): India’s most significant investment in the fisheries sector.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

Question & Answer

Q1. Which ministry/department launched the ‘First Fully Digitised National Marine Fisheries Census 2025’?
(a) Ministry of Earth Sciences
(b) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(c) Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
(d) Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Answer: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Explanation: The Department of Fisheries (DoF), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is the nodal body responsible for the development and management of the fisheries sector, including conducting this census.

Q2. What is the most significant feature of the National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 compared to previous censuses?
(a) It includes inland fisheries for the first time
(b) It covers only the socio-economic status of fisherfolk
(c) It is the first census to be entirely conducted using a digital platform (Mobile App and Web Portal)
(d) It is being conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)
Answer: It is the first census to be entirely conducted using a digital platform (Mobile App and Web Portal)

Explanation: The defining feature of the 2025 census is its transition to a fully digitised format for real-time data collection and enhanced accuracy.

Q3. Which agency is primarily responsible for the ground-level execution of the National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 in collaboration with State/UT departments?
(a) National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
(b) Fishery Survey of India (FSI)
(c) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
(d) Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
Answer: Fishery Survey of India (FSI)

Explanation: The Fishery Survey of India (FSI) is the dedicated national organisation for marine fisheries resource surveys and management, making it the primary executing agency.

Q4. The data collected from the National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 will be crucial for the effective implementation of which major scheme?
(a) National Green Mission
(b) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
(c) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
(d) National Health Mission
Answer: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

Explanation: The census provides the necessary baseline data on fisherfolk, crafts, and infrastructure to monitor and plan the massive investments under the flagship scheme, PMMSY, which aims for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

Q5. Which of the following details is NOT typically covered under the scope of the National Marine Fisheries Census?
(a) Census of fishing craft and gear
(b) Socio-economic profile of marine fisherfolk
(c) Count of ice plants and landing centres
(d) Detailed analysis of deep-sea oil and gas reserves
Answer: Detailed analysis of deep-sea oil and gas reserves

Explanation: The census focuses on fisheries-related data (fisherfolk, boats, gear, and infrastructure) and not on non-fishery oceanographic surveys like oil and gas reserve analysis.

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