Marine Fisheries Census 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: On World Fisheries Day 2024, the Centre launched transformative initiatives in the fisheries sector, including the Marine Fisheries Census 2025 and the National Plan of Action on Sharks
About Marine Fisheries Census:
• History of Census: 1948-49: Initial survey by CMFRI on village-wise fishing data. 1980 Census: Covered 2132 villages, 333,038 households, and 1442 fish landing centers. 2005 Census: Collaboration between CMFRI and DAHDF, covering 3202 villages. 2010 Census: Expanded coverage to 3288 villages, emphasizing socio-economic data. 2016 Census: Joint effort by CMFRI and DAHDF, encompassing 1.2 million households.
• 1948-49: Initial survey by CMFRI on village-wise fishing data.
• 1980 Census: Covered 2132 villages, 333,038 households, and 1442 fish landing centers.
• 2005 Census: Collaboration between CMFRI and DAHDF, covering 3202 villages.
• 2010 Census: Expanded coverage to 3288 villages, emphasizing socio-economic data.
• 2016 Census: Joint effort by CMFRI and DAHDF, encompassing 1.2 million households.
• Department Involved: Conducted by CMFRI and the Union Ministry of Fisheries, with support from 3,500 staff for the 2025 census.
• Conducted by CMFRI and the Union Ministry of Fisheries, with support from 3,500 staff for the 2025 census.
• Features of 2025 Census: Fully digital process using mobile apps and virtual servers for real-time data collection. Covers 1.2 million households across India’s coastline, including remote locations like Bitra Island and Campbell Bay. Collects data on household sizes, socio-economic status, and fisherfolk engagement. 80% faster data processing compared to previous censuses.
• Fully digital process using mobile apps and virtual servers for real-time data collection.
• Covers 1.2 million households across India’s coastline, including remote locations like Bitra Island and Campbell Bay.
• Collects data on household sizes, socio-economic status, and fisherfolk engagement.
• 80% faster data processing compared to previous censuses.
National Plan of Action on Sharks (NPOA-SHARKS):
• This is a follow-up of the International Plan of Action for Sharks, a voluntary instrument adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in
• Scope: Conservation and sustainable management of shark populations based on an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF). Covers sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras within India’s EEZ, territorial waters, and the High Seas by Indian-flagged vessels. Aims to bridge research gaps, understand socio-economic implications, and manage negative impacts of shark fishing.
• Conservation and sustainable management of shark populations based on an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF).
• Covers sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras within India’s EEZ, territorial waters, and the High Seas by Indian-flagged vessels.
• Aims to bridge research gaps, understand socio-economic implications, and manage negative impacts of shark fishing.
• Actions: Avoid promoting direct shark fishing until sufficient scientific data is available. Implement monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) plans promptly. Identify shark breeding grounds and seasons; adopt conservation measures like seasonal bans and area closures. Initiate species cataloging through genetic coding and develop species-specific indicators using survey data. Conduct awareness drives for stakeholders, fishermen, and associations to encourage monitoring and reporting of shark catches. Research value addition for sharks and explore eco-tourism opportunities like reef shark diving. Enforce the fin-attached policy and review shark export policies to encourage value-added products. Introduce logbook systems, develop a national shark identification kit, and build research capacity in taxonomy and data collection. Align with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and promote regional cooperation for better shark conservation.
• Avoid promoting direct shark fishing until sufficient scientific data is available.
• Implement monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) plans promptly.
• Identify shark breeding grounds and seasons; adopt conservation measures like seasonal bans and area closures.
• Initiate species cataloging through genetic coding and develop species-specific indicators using survey data.
• Conduct awareness drives for stakeholders, fishermen, and associations to encourage monitoring and reporting of shark catches.
• Research value addition for sharks and explore eco-tourism opportunities like reef shark diving.
• Enforce the fin-attached policy and review shark export policies to encourage value-added products.
• Introduce logbook systems, develop a national shark identification kit, and build research capacity in taxonomy and data collection.
• Align with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and promote regional cooperation for better shark conservation.
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