The ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is set to complete household enumeration for the National Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025 by January-end, with a preliminary report expected by the end of February and the final report by March.

According to J Jayashankar, Principal Scientist and Head (Fisheries Resources Assessment, Economics & Extension) at CMFRI, the census process is nearing completion across 12 coastal states and Union Territories, while enumeration in West Bengal, which began late, is currently underway. The original deadline of December 18, 2025, was extended twice till January 31 due to local body elections in Maharashtra and other operational challenges.

Preliminary trends indicate that the total number of marine fisher households stands at around 9–10 lakh, similar to the 2016 census. However, the number of habitations has increased, suggesting a shift of population from inland fisheries to marine fishing, while the overall population remains stable.

About 80 per cent of the households surveyed belong to traditional fishing communities where marine fishing has been the primary livelihood for generations. The remaining 20 per cent comprise first-time entrants, largely migrants. The data also revealed duplication of Aadhaar entries, attributed to fishermen working across multiple states.

For the first time, the marine fisheries census has been conducted in a fully digitised format with geo-tagging of fisher households. Launched on October 31, 2025, the enumeration registers fishers and fish workers on the National Fisheries Digital Platform to facilitate benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana.

The digital census has generated a comprehensive, geo-referenced national database, capturing details on skills, insurance coverage, Covid-19 impacts, disabilities, losses, and access to government welfare schemes, marking a significant advancement over previous censuses.