The Fishery Survey of India (FSI), the apex national fisheries survey organization under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, headquartered in Mumbai with operational survey bases in Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Port Blair, invites applications for Young Professionals (YPs), Project Scientists, and Senior Research Fellows (SRF) in 2026. FSI is responsible for the systematic survey and assessment of marine fishery resources within the 2.02 million sq. km Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and contiguous international waters.
Program Overview: Marine Fisheries Survey & Exploratory Oceanography
Exploratory surveys by FSI provide the scientific foundation for sustainable marine harvest policies, deep-sea fishing regulations, and international compliance with regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). Selected research fellows and Young Professionals participate in oceanic research voyages aboard FSI’s specialized survey vessels—including MFV Matsya Drushti, MFV Matsya Vrushti, MFV Matsya Varshini, and MFV Matsya Shikari—conducting tuna longlining, deep-sea demersal trawling, hydroacoustic biomass estimation, and marine mammal stock assessment.
| Key Parameter | Recruitment Specifications |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Fishery Survey of India (FSI), Botawala Chambers, Sir P.M. Road, Fort, Mumbai (and 5 Operational Bases) |
| Positions Offered | Young Professionals (YPs), Project Scientists, Senior Research Fellows (SRF), Marine Survey Observers |
| Active Schemes / Projects | Marine Mammal Stock Assessments in Indian EEZ (PMMSY Scheme), Oceanic Tuna & Billfish Assessment, Deep-Sea Resource Mapping |
| Monthly Emoluments | Young Professionals: ₹31,000 – ₹42,000 / month (consolidated) Project Scientists: ₹50,000 – ₹56,000 / month + HRA |
| Age Limit | YP: Up to 35 years; Project Scientist: Up to 40 years (standard GoI relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/Women) |
| Selection Methodology | Application screening followed by Walk-in or Virtual Interview at FSI Mumbai or Regional Bases |
Core Survey Domains & Research Operations
- Oceanic Pelagic Surveys & Tuna Longlining: Monitoring Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares), Bigeye Tuna, Skipjack, and Swordfish across oceanic waters of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Andaman & Nicobar waters.
- Deep-Sea Demersal & Non-Conventional Resources: Exploratory demersal trawling along the continental shelf and slope (100–500m depth) assessing deep-sea prawns (Aristeus alcocki), deep-sea lobsters, and mesopelagic finfish stocks.
- Marine Mammal Stock Assessments: Vessel-based line transect visual surveys, passive acoustic monitoring (hydrophone arrays), and photographic identification of cetacean populations (whales, dolphins, porpoises) in the Indian EEZ.
- Hydroacoustics & Fish Biomass Estimation: Operating scientific split-beam echo sounders and echo integrators to map fish density, scattering layer dynamics, and schooling behavior.
- GIS-Based Marine Fishery Atlas: Developing spatial GIS layers of Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ), oceanographic parameter correlation (SST, chlorophyll-a), and seasonal abundance charts.
Eligibility Criteria
Young Professionals (YPs)
- Essential Qualification: Master’s degree (M.F.Sc.) in Fisheries Resource Management, Marine Biology, Industrial Fisheries, Oceanography, or M.Sc. in Zoology (Fisheries specialization) / Marine Sciences / Wildlife Science from a recognized university.
- Desirable Experience: Prior experience in sea-going exploratory research, marine taxonomy, scientific cruise participation, fish population dynamics, or GIS mapping.
Project Scientists
- Essential Qualification: Ph.D. or Master’s degree with minimum 3 years of demonstrated research experience in Marine Fisheries, Pelagic Ecology, Cetacean Biology, or Marine Stock Assessment with peer-reviewed publications.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit their applications in the prescribed proforma along with self-attested copies of educational qualifications, experience certificates, and valid ID proof by email or post to the Director General, Fishery Survey of India, Botawala Chambers, Sir P.M. Road, Fort, Mumbai – 400001 as specified in individual base notifications.
Official Website & Job Opportunities: Fishery Survey of India Official Portal (fsi.gov.in)
Recruitment Notice Board: Check the “Job Opportunities / What’s New” section on the official FSI portal for current project circulars and downloadable application proformas.