NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES CENSUS (MFC) 2025
Overview
Launched on: 31 October 2025
By: Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying George Kurian
Venue: ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi
Coverage:
1.2 million fisher households
4,000 marine fishing villages
9 coastal States + 4 Union Territories
The first marine fisheries census was conducted in 1948-49 by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) (established on February 3, 1947 ,HQ- Kochi,kerala).
Key Features
Nature | First fully digitised national marine fisheries census |
Data Collection Tools | Mobile apps VyAS Bharat & VyAS Sutra |
Developed by | CMFRI (ICAR) |
Functions | Real-time data capture, geo-referencing, instant verification, live monitoring |
Supervising Ministry | Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying |
Implementing Agencies | Dept. of Fisheries (DoF), CMFRI (nodal agency), Fishery Survey of India (FSI — operational partner) |
Umbrella Scheme | Conducted under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) |
Integration with Digital Platforms | Linked with National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) |
Associated Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) benefits only for NFDP-registered fishers |
Objectives
To establish a real-time digital fisheries database for India.
To ensure data-driven decision-making in fisheries governance.
To identify and register all fishers and fish workers for welfare and insurance coverage.
To enhance accuracy, transparency & efficiency in data processing.
To support Blue Economy policy planning and coastal livelihood mapping.
Technological Highlights
VyAS Bharat: Field data entry app for enumerators (geo-tagged entries).
VyAS Sutra: Backend platform for data verification, integration & analytics.
Live monitoring: Data from coastal villages is monitored centrally at CMFRI in real-time.
Other Government Initiatives Mentioned
Installation of transponders and turtle excluder devices (TEDs) — free of cost for fishermen (marine safety & conservation).
“Smart Census, Smarter Fisheries” — digital governance motto for marine sector modernization.
Institutional Involvement
ICAR–CMFRI: Nodal scientific body.
Fishery Survey of India (FSI): Operational partner for field logistics.
Dept. of Fisheries: Overall coordination & data policy.
State Fisheries Departments & Local Bodies: Field collaboration.
Significance
Facilitates targeted welfare through NFDP-linked schemes.
Aids resource sustainability and climate-resilient fisheries management.
Supports PM Matsya Sampada Yojana’s goal of doubling export value & improving fishers’ income.
Paves the way for Marine Spatial Planning and Blue Economy Index mapping.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. With reference to the National Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025, consider the following statements:
It is the first fully digitised fisheries census conducted under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The VyAS Bharat and VyAS Sutra mobile applications used for enumeration were developed by the Fishery Survey of India.
Only fishers registered on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) will be eligible for benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
(1) ✅ Correct — MFC 2025 is indeed the first fully digitised fisheries census under PMMSY.
(2) ❌ Incorrect — The mobile apps were developed by CMFRI, not FSI.
(3) ✅ Correct — NFDP registration is mandatory for benefits under PM-MKSSY.
Q. In the context of India’s fisheries governance, the “VyAS Bharat” and “VyAS Sutra” applications recently seen in news are primarily designed for:
(a) E-auctioning of marine fish products
(b) Real-time digital data collection and verification during marine census
(c) Tracking illegal fishing vessels through satellite-based systems
(d) Issuing fishing licenses and transponder IDs
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Both VyAS Bharat (field data entry) and VyAS Sutra (central verification) are part of MFC 2025’s digital system for real-time marine census data collection, enhancing transparency and accuracy.