Central Sector Scheme on Strengthening of Database and Information Networking for the Fisheries Sector

Objectives of the Scheme

• To improve the database of inland and marine fisheries resources and catch of fish by adoption of standardized methodology of data collection through sample survey for estimation of inland fisheries resources like ponds and tanks, lakes and reservoirs, rivers, lagoons, estuaries, etc. and inland as well as marine fish catch in all the States/UT’s. 
  
• To improve Information Technology System in the States/UT’s as well as National level Fishery Institutes so that data collection and their analysis can be done efficiently and effectively.
• To conduct census of Inland as well as Marine Fisheries.
  

Objectives of the Scheme

To improve the database of inland and marine fisheries resources and catch of fish by adoption of standardized methodology of data collection through sample survey for estimation of inland fisheries resources like ponds and tanks, lakes and reservoirs, rivers, lagoons, estuaries, etc. and inland as well as marine fish catch in all the States/UT’s. 

• To improve Information Technology System in the States/UT’s as well as National level Fishery Institutes so that data collection and their analysis can be done efficiently and effectively.
  
  
• To conduct census of Inland as well as Marine Fisheries.
  

Components of the scheme

1. Catch Assessment Surveys on Inland Fisheries

This component is entrusted to Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), ICAR, Barrackpore, West Bengal, who will be responsible for standardization of concepts, definitions and methodology for collecting fisheries statistics and training of staff concerned therewith. The resource and catch assessment surveys would be continued for ponds and reservoirs by extending the coverage to more districts in existing states where the scheme is being implemented and also extended to other states where the scheme has not yet been taken up for conduct of catch assessment surveys so that all the states are covered for assessment of resources and catch under ponds, tanks, reservoirs, etc. i.e. water bodies falling under water group I and II. The methodology for resource and catch assessment from river, streams, canals, etc. i.e. water bodies falling under Group III will also be taken up by CIFRI for its implementation in all states/UTs.

The work on supervision, training and data analysis would be undertaken by CIFRI by organizing at training programmes to train the officers from State Governments on techniques of data collection, identification of species, analysis of fish catch data and estimation of fish production. The State Governments would submit their work plan to CIFRI for conducting surveys for approval. While sending the proposal for obtaining financial assistance under the scheme, the approved work plan for conducting catch assessment surveys should be enclosed by state governments. The schedules for data collection will be prepared by CIFRI and given to the State Governments. A software would also be developed by CIFRI for computerization of data collected by States in conduct of catch assessment surveys. CIFRI would also provide training to State Government on software. The reports of the surveys conducted should be prepared by CIFRI in co-ordination with states and submitted to DAHD, Headquarters on regular basis. Based on the surveys conducted by states, CIFRI will co-ordinate for working out the quarterly estimates of inland fish production from all states/UTs and furnish to DAHD, headquarters for obtaining approval of Technical Committee proposed to be constituted under the scheme. 

The Central assistance would be provided as 100% grant-in-aid to State Governments/ UT administration for creation/continuation of the following posts:


Name of the Post Pay Scale No. of Posts

Assistant Director (Stat.) Rs 8000-13500 1
Tech. Assistant/ Computer Rs 5500-9000 1
Investigator/Stat. Asstt. Rs 5000-8000 2


The provision has also been made for incurring the expenditure for the above staff towards travelling expenditure for conducting catch assessment surveys in the field. The expenditure on TA will be limited to Rs. one lakh per state per annum. In addition to TA, provision of office expenses to cover cost of overhead charges @ Rs 2500 per month per state has been made. 

The State Governments are required to send the quarterly reports to DAH&D on progress of the scheme along with copies of the guidelines issued by CIFRI to the States from time to time indicating the locations of the sites where the surveys have been undertaken, expenditure under different sub heads – salary, T.A., O.E., etc. 10% of the schedules filled during the conduct of catch assessment surveys would be checked by CIFRI and 2% by State Governments and reports of the inspection should be submitted to the DAH&D Headquarters on quarterly basis. 

2. Information Technology

Under the component on Information Technology, a provision has been made for procurement of equipment to State Governments/Union Territories/CIFRI/DAH&D Headquarters/Fishery Survey of India, Mumbai as per details indicated below:

• One low-end server with two clients along with other equipment with a ceiling of Rs 3.5 lakh each for State Headquarters including Assam.
  
• One Personal Computer along with other equipment with a ceiling of Rs 1.0 lakh each at UT’s and Northeastern States (excluding Assam) and districts. 
  
• One high-end server and 2 clients along with other equipment subject to the ceiling of Rs 13.50 lakh at DAHD Headquarters, CIFRI and FSI each. 
  
• Training in standard software by State Governments from reputed institutions @ Rs 2500 per training for 2-3 officers per state. 

The State Governments would submit the requirements for purchase of equipment and the purchases would be made by respective agencies as per General Financial Rules of Government of India. 


3. Development of Geographical Information System 

The component on development of GIS is entrusted to CIFRI. Satellite imageries from IRS-ID will be obtained for post monsoon period from NRSA. They will be analyzed in the laboratory for assessment of shape and size of the water bodies. Area statistics of water area 0.5 ha. and above will be located, mapped and listed in the reports after making ground truthing of 10% of the locations in order to verify the results. Potential areas will be highlighted on the maps for future planning and development. A geo-referenced fishery data base management system will be evolved and the information will be linked and networked for the users. One copy of the GIS software with license would also be made available at Centre for further usage and analysis. 

Provision has been made for expenditure towards TA/DA of staff of CIFRI for undertaking visits by 12 trips (of 4 persons each) for ground truthing @ Rs 10000/- per person. For analyzing satellite images, financial assistance would be provided @ Rs 15000/- per scene. Further, provision has also been made for engaging 8 persons as Senior Research Fellows/Research Associate as per ICAR norms for SRFs and RAs for data collection, data analysis and entry of data collected under inland census for incorporation in Geographical Information System.


4. Census on Marine Fisheries

The component on conduct of census on marine fisheries has been entrusted to Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in ten States. In respect of A & N Islands and Lakshadweep the census would be conducted using services of Fishery Survey of India, Mumbai. A token provision of Rs 1.50 lakhs for engaging manpower in two UTs has been made. The schedule for data collection and methodology will be scrutinized by Technical Committee proposed to be constituted under the Scheme before implementation. 10% of the schedules filled during the conduct of catch assessment surveys should be checked by CMFRI and 2% of the same by State Governments and reports of the inspection should be submitted to the DAH&D Headquarters. 

5. Catch Assessment Survey on Marine Fisheries

For streamlining the catch assessment surveys on marine fisheries, Fishery Survey of India (FSI) will act as an interface between Ministry and the State Fishery Departments. FSI would collect data with emphasis on biological aspect of species, gear and market studies from market of Marine States/UTs by deputing field enumerators on contractual basis. FSI would also reconcile the data received from State Governments and data collected by CMFRI and have interface with CMFRI for scientific and technical guidance regarding catch assessment surveys to be carried out by FSI. A provision has been made for engaging three data entry operators @ Rs 8000 p.m. and one Statistical Analyst @ 10,000 p.m. on contractual basis for validation of data received from State Governments and report preparation. A provision has also been made for engaging 13 Data Enumerators @ Rs 8000 per month for field data collection with emphasis on biological aspect of species, gear and market surveys, etc. 

6. Strengthening of Headquarter at Centre

A technical monitoring committee has been constituted with representatives from various organizations like CSO, NSSO, CIFRI, CMFRI, IASRI, ISI and FSI for review and identification of data gaps and making recommendations for bringing improvements in the Scheme. At the Centre level, a provision has been made to provide one post of Deputy Director (Stat.) well versed with sample surveys and information technology for overall coordination and implementation of the Scheme. 


Funding Pattern

The central assistance is 100 % as grant-in-aid to State Governments/UT Administration for all the components of the scheme.


Year when the Scheme Started: 2003-04

Source : http://dahd.nic.in/dahd/schemes/fisheries.aspx

Updated on : March 2015