Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To accurately estimate the volume and species composition of marine fish landed along India's vast coastline, a scientifically designed, uniform sampling methodology is essential.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) utilizes a globally recognized design called Stratified Multistage Random Sampling to estimate marine fish landings.
- Stratification: The coastline is divided into geographic zones (strata) based on landing intensity and infrastructure.
- Multistage: Sampling is conducted over multiple stages (primary stage units are landing centers, secondary stage units are specific days/time-intervals, and third stage units are landing vessels).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct sampling design is Stratified multistage random sampling, corresponding to option (D).