Dr. Megha Bedekar is a veterinary Microbiology and biotechnologist working in the area of veterinary and fish health for 20 years. Her research areas are application of advanced tools for development of vaccine and diagnostics for aquatic animals.

She is inventor of India’s first commercial fish vaccines for important fish diseases. She has developed DNA vaccine for bacterial disease of ruminant ie Chron’s disease and for edwardsiolesis in fish. Apart from the vaccine research Dr. Megha Bedekar has an expertise in developing advanced disease diagnostics for fish and animal viruses. Her group has developed non invasive ELISA test and molecular diagnostics for viral disease like Infectious bronchitis and Infectious bursal disease in poultry and Tilapia lake virus and Tilapia parvo virus in fish. Recently her lab has developed CRISPR based highly sensitive point of care diagnostic test for tilapia lake virus and whit spot syndrome virus of shrimp which are under patent process. Her lab is NABL accredited laboratory for testing of the OIE listed shrimp and fish pathogens.

Dr. Megha has guide 32 veterinary and Fisheries post graduate students and students for Mumbai University. She has completed 11 externally funded projects funded by DBT, DST, NAIP and NASF. Recently she in leading four externally funded projects including National Reperral Laboratory project undr NSPAAD II funded by PMMSY, National project of fish health funded by ICAR, CRISPR based disease diagnostic for fish viruses funded by CRPV&D ICAR and consultancy project for testing vaccine, immunostimulants and diagnostic kits for companies like Indian Immunologicals, and HiMedia.

Prof. Rosamma Philip, former Dean of the Faculty of Marine Sciences, is a distinguished academic and researcher known for her significant contributions to aquaculture and marine biology. With a career spanning decades, she has been instrumental in advancing research on marine ecosystems, aquaculture practices, and aquatic organism health.

Her work has focused on sustainable aquaculture practices, with particular attention to water quality management, fish nutrition, and disease prevention. Prof. Philip has been a strong advocate for environmentally friendly aquaculture, emphasizing the use of biosecurity measures and innovative technologies to enhance productivity while safeguarding aquatic ecosystems.

As a mentor and educator, she has inspired countless students and researchers, fostering a new generation of professionals in marine sciences. Prof. Philip’s impactful research, coupled with her leadership in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, has significantly contributed to the growth and development of the aquaculture industry in India and beyond.

Dr. Parasuraman A. S., a Humboldt Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Germany, is a skilled immunologist with over a decade of expertise in aquaculture and immunology research. His work focuses on enhancing fish health and disease resistance through immunomodulation and sustainable aquaculture practices.

Currently, Dr. Parasuraman is investigating the effects of environmental enrichment on rainbow trout, exploring its role in reducing stress, boosting immune responses, and improving vaccine efficacy. His research highlights the potential of environmental enrichment as an immunostimulant, offering innovative solutions for disease management in aquaculture.

Dr. Parasuraman has earned prestigious accolades such as the DBT Research Fellowship and British Council-Newton Bhabha Fellowship. With a strong academic foundation, high-impact publications, and advanced technical expertise, his work contributes significantly to understanding adaptive immunity and developing sustainable practices to enhance aquaculture productivity and fish welfare.

Shri G. Rathinaraj, a retired Senior Executive (Technical) from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, has made notable contributions to the development and promotion of aquaculture in India. With decades of experience, he has been instrumental in implementing innovative strategies to enhance aquaculture productivity, sustainability, and rural livelihoods.

During his tenure at NFDB, Shri Rathinaraj played a key role in facilitating training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and the dissemination of advanced aquaculture technologies to farmers and stakeholders. His expertise in sustainable farming practices and resource management has greatly benefited small-scale and commercial aquaculture enterprises.

He has actively contributed to the adoption of best practices in fish farming, water quality management, and disease control, ensuring environmentally friendly and economically viable operations. Shri Rathinaraj’s dedication to empowering aquaculture practitioners has significantly advanced the sector, fostering growth, sustainability, and food security in the country.

Dr. S. Kandan, the Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA), is a visionary leader and an expert in aquaculture development. Under his guidance, RGCA has made significant strides in advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, focusing on promoting innovative technologies and enhancing the productivity of aquaculture systems in India.

Dr. Kandan has been instrumental in the development and implementation of various aquaculture projects, including hatchery and farming technologies for high-value species like shrimp, sea bass, and ornamental fish. His leadership has been pivotal in establishing biosecure, eco-friendly aquaculture practices, ensuring sustainability while meeting the growing demands of the seafood industry. He has actively promoted the adoption of advanced breeding, larval rearing, and feed management practices, contributing to higher production efficiency. Dr. Kandan’s contributions have greatly influenced the modernization and sustainability of India’s aquaculture sector. His efforts in bridging research and practical application continue to support the growth of a vibrant and environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry in the country.

Prof. P. Chellapandi, Professor and Head of the Department of Bioinformatics at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, is a distinguished academic with over 25 years of experience in research and teaching. His work integrates bioinformatics with sustainable technologies and healthcare solutions, contributing significantly to aquaculture advancements.

Prof. Chellapandi’s research focuses on genome-scale metabolic modeling and microbial engineering, which have applications in aquaculture, including optimizing nutrient utilization and waste management. His studies on microbial systems have led to the development of probiotics and metabolic inhibitors, enhancing fish health and immunity while reducing dependence on antibiotics.

Additionally, his expertise in synthetic biology has been instrumental in creating diagnostic tools and vaccine development for aquatic diseases. Prof. Chellapandi’s innovative approaches and interdisciplinary research have provided sustainable solutions to enhance aquaculture productivity and fish health, making him a key contributor to the advancement of bioinformatics in aquaculture.

Dr. V. V. R. Suresh, Principal Scientist and Head of the Mariculture Division at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is a distinguished scientist renowned for his significant contributions to aquaculture, particularly mariculture. With extensive expertise in the field, he focuses on sustainable mariculture, fisheries enhancement, and conservation.

His research areas span different aquaculture systems, fish breeding, seed production for commercially important species in mariculture important finishes and shellfishes, fish feeds and nutrition, fish migration, fish germplasm exploration and conservation, fish stock assessment, invasive species risk assessment, and environment impact assessment.

He also contributed to application of computer-based applications for the real-time monitoring and management of cage culture systems.

Dr. K. S. Sobhana, is a distinguished expert in marine biodiversity, environmental management, and sustainable aquaculture practices. Her research focuses on marine ecosystem conservation, the impact of environmental changes on aquaculture, and developing strategies to ensure sustainable utilization of marine resources.

Dr. Sobhana has made significant contributions to the understanding of marine biodiversity and its role in aquaculture productivity. Her work involves assessing environmental impacts, mitigating pollution, and ensuring ecosystem health to support sustainable mariculture practices. She has been instrumental in promoting integrated approaches to aquaculture, combining biodiversity conservation with the enhancement of marine resource utilization.

Through her leadership at MBEMD, Dr. Sobhana has led initiatives to monitor and manage marine habitats, which are critical for the sustainability of aquaculture and fisheries. Her efforts extend to stakeholder engagement, where she collaborates with local communities, policymakers, and researchers to promote best practices in marine resource management.

Dr. Sobhana’s contributions are vital for the growth of environmentally sustainable aquaculture, ensuring the balance between marine biodiversity conservation and aquaculture development. Her work supports long-term food security and livelihoods in coastal regions.

Dr. Basdeo Kushwaha, Principal Scientist and In-Charge of the National Repository of Fish Cell Lines (NRFC) at ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, is a renowned expert in fish cell culture, aquatic animal health, and biotechnology. His pioneering work in developing and maintaining fish cell lines has greatly contributed to the study of aquatic animal diseases, toxicology, and fish genetics, playing a vital role in the sustainable development of aquaculture.

Dr. Kushwaha has been instrumental in establishing and expanding the NRFC, a unique facility housing numerous fish cell lines from diverse species. These cell lines serve as invaluable tools for studying viral pathogens, assessing environmental toxicity, and exploring genetic diversity. His research has provided insights into virus-host interactions, aiding in the development of diagnostic methods and disease management strategies for economically important fish species.

In addition to his research, Dr. Kushwaha actively contributes to capacity-building programs, training scientists and students in advanced cell culture techniques and molecular tools. His efforts in fostering collaborations between research institutions and the aquaculture industry have further strengthened fish health management practices. Dr. Kushwaha’s contributions continue to enhance the scientific understanding and sustainability of aquaculture in India.

Dr. Preena P.G., Senior Lecturer at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi, is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in aquatic animal health and sustainable aquaculture practices. With extensive expertise in fish immunology, disease management, and microbiology, Dr. Preena has made significant contributions to advancing health management strategies for aquaculture species, particularly in addressing the challenges of emerging pathogens.

Her research focuses on understanding host-pathogen interactions, developing eco-friendly disease prevention strategies, and enhancing fish immunity through immunostimulants and probiotics. Dr. Preena’s studies have provided valuable insights into reducing the reliance on antibiotics, thereby promoting sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices. She has also worked on water quality management and biosecurity protocols to improve the resilience of aquaculture systems.

As an educator, Dr. Preena is deeply committed to training the next generation of fisheries professionals, delivering impactful lectures and guiding research projects that address pressing issues in aquaculture. She actively collaborates with industry stakeholders and farmers, sharing knowledge through workshops and capacity-building programs. Dr. Preena’s holistic approach to research, education, and outreach continues to support the sustainable growth of aquaculture, benefiting both the industry and coastal communities.

Dr. T. V. Anilkumar, Scientist G and Head of the Division of Experimental Pathology at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, is a distinguished researcher known for his interdisciplinary contributions. With expertise in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, Dr. Anilkumar’s work has extended to developing sustainable solutions for aquaculture, particularly in the areas of health management and biomaterials for aquatic applications.

One of Dr. Anilkumar’s notable contributions is his research on the development of bioactive materials and polymers that can be utilized in aquaculture for disease management and water quality improvement. These innovations help in reducing the dependency on antibiotics and chemical treatments, promoting eco-friendly aquaculture practices. His work on biomimetic approaches has also paved the way for creating materials that can support the health and growth of aquatic organisms.

In addition to research, Dr. Anilkumar has collaborated with aquaculture scientists to explore the application of medical-grade technologies in improving aquatic animal health and welfare. His interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between medical sciences and aquaculture, contributing to sustainable and innovative practices that enhance productivity and environmental balance in the aquaculture sector.

Prof. Felix Sugantham is a distinguished academic and researcher known for his significant contributions to aquaculture and fisheries science. With expertise in aquaculture management, aquatic animal health, and sustainable farming practices, he has been a driving force in advancing aquaculture technologies and practices that support productivity and environmental sustainability.

Prof. Sugantham has focused on areas such as fish breeding, hatchery management, and nutrition, developing innovative techniques to enhance the growth and survival rates of cultured species. His work on disease prevention and health management has been particularly impactful, addressing key challenges faced by aquaculture farmers. By integrating modern diagnostic tools and health monitoring systems, he has contributed to reducing the prevalence of diseases and improving the overall resilience of aquaculture systems.

In addition to research, Prof. Sugantham is deeply involved in teaching and training, mentoring the next generation of aquaculture professionals. His outreach activities include collaborating with stakeholders to promote best practices and empower small-scale farmers with knowledge and tools for sustainable farming.

Through his dedication to research, education, and community engagement, Prof. Felix Sugantham has played a pivotal role in shaping aquaculture as a sustainable industry, benefiting both the environment and livelihoods in the aquaculture sector.

Dr. Thitiwan Patanasatienkul, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health, with significant contributions to global aquaculture. Her work focuses on advancing health management practices, disease prevention, and biosecurity in aquaculture systems to support sustainable production and trade in aquatic products.

Dr. Thitiwan plays a key role in the development and implementation of international standards for aquatic animal health, ensuring compliance with WOAH guidelines and promoting global collaboration. She is actively involved in disease risk assessment, pathogen surveillance, and the dissemination of knowledge on effective health management strategies. Her work aids in minimizing the spread of transboundary aquatic animal diseases, which is critical for maintaining the stability and sustainability of aquaculture industries worldwide.

In addition, Dr. Thitiwan contributes to capacity-building programs, providing training and technical support to member countries to strengthen their aquatic health management systems. Her efforts have been pivotal in enhancing disease reporting, improving diagnostic capacities, and fostering resilience in aquaculture systems. Through her work with WOAH, Dr. Thitiwan has made a lasting impact on promoting safe, sustainable aquaculture practices that benefit global food security and international trade.

Dr. K. Ganesh, Assistant Director at the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), is a dedicated professional contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable aquaculture and the development of India’s seafood export sector. With expertise in aquaculture management, farm certification, and biosecurity, Dr. Ganesh has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that enhance the productivity and sustainability of aquaculture practices across the country.

He actively supports MPEDA’s mission to improve aquaculture practices by promoting internationally recognized certifications like Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and India’s own aquaculture eco-labels. His efforts have helped ensure that Indian aquaculture products meet global standards, enhancing their competitiveness in international markets. Dr. Ganesh has also been involved in educating farmers on adopting sustainable practices, such as responsible feed usage, disease management, and water quality monitoring.

In addition to certification programs, Dr. Ganesh contributes to disease surveillance and control strategies, which are vital for reducing economic losses and maintaining biosecurity in shrimp and fish farms. He is committed to capacity-building initiatives, working closely with farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to transfer knowledge and improve aquaculture productivity. Dr. Ganesh’s contributions have been vital in supporting India’s aquaculture sector, ensuring its growth while maintaining environmental and trade standards.

Dr. P. Jayagopal, Deputy Director at the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), is a respected figure in aquaculture and seafood export development. With extensive experience in aquaculture management and policy implementation, he has made significant contributions to promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and enhancing India’s seafood export potential. His expertise spans areas such as aquaculture certification, disease management, and capacity building for stakeholders in the aquaculture value chain.

Dr. Jayagopal has played a key role in implementing MPEDA’s initiatives to ensure sustainability and quality in shrimp and fish farming. He has been actively involved in promoting farm certification programs like Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and other eco-labeling standards that meet global market requirements. By facilitating adoption of biosecurity measures and advanced farming practices, he has helped farmers achieve higher yields while adhering to environmental and international trade standards.

Additionally, Dr. Jayagopal has contributed to the development of programs aimed at empowering small-scale farmers with technical knowledge and market access. His work in disease surveillance and management has further strengthened the resilience of India’s aquaculture sector. Through his efforts, Dr. Jayagopal continues to support sustainable growth in aquaculture, ensuring its role as a key contributor to India’s seafood exports and global food security.

Dr. Sumithra T.G., Scientist at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is an expert in microbiology with over a decade of experience, specializing in fish health and marine pathogen research. Since 2016, she has focused on characterizing pathogens and developing aquatic health management strategies to enhance mariculture production. Her work includes detailed profiling of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens causing mortalities in cultured marine fishes, contributing valuable insights to the aquaculture sector through publications in peer-reviewed international journals.

Dr. Sumithra is also engaged in analyzing symbiotic microbes associated with commercially significant marine species. Her team has optimized methods for microbiome profiling and assessing biochemical and immunological functions in marine animals, enabling them to evaluate various stressors in aquaculture systems. This research aids in understanding microbial dynamics and their impact on marine species’ health and growth.

A significant aspect of her work involves exploring microbiome-immunity-genome interactions in marine fish larvae. By identifying critical microbes and developing strategies for microbial and immunity manipulation, she aims to enhance larval survival and overall productivity in mariculture. Dr. Sumithra’s contributions play a vital role in improving sustainable aquaculture practices, supporting the health, resilience, and productivity of cultured marine species.

Padma Shri Dr. Modadugu Vijay Gupta is a globally renowned scientist celebrated for his transformative contributions to aquaculture and rural development. Often referred to as the “Father of Blue Revolution,” his pioneering work has revolutionized aquaculture practices, particularly in developing countries, by making fish farming accessible to resource-poor farmers. Dr. Gupta’s innovations in low-cost aquaculture technologies have significantly enhanced food security, nutrition, and livelihoods for millions.

One of his most notable achievements was the development of sustainable aquaculture systems using locally available resources, such as integrated rice-fish farming and polyculture techniques. These methods enabled small-scale farmers to maximize productivity while preserving ecological balance. His work on breeding and disseminating fast-growing fish species, including carps and tilapia, has greatly boosted fish yields in Asia and Africa.

Dr. Gupta also emphasized gender empowerment in aquaculture, helping women farmers gain access to fish farming technologies and training. His efforts have been recognized worldwide, earning him numerous accolades, including the prestigious World Food Prize in 2005.

Through his vision and dedication, Dr. Gupta has left an indelible mark on global aquaculture development, making it a powerful tool for poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and economic growth in underserved regions.

Dr. Subhashini C.R., Director of Aristogene Biosciences, is a prominent figure in the field of biotechnology with significant contributions to aquaculture health management. With expertise in molecular diagnostics and aquatic disease research, she has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions to address health challenges in aquaculture systems. Her work focuses on creating advanced diagnostic tools and health management products that enhance the sustainability and productivity of the aquaculture industry.

Under her leadership, Aristogene Biosciences has developed rapid, accurate diagnostic kits for the early detection of pathogens affecting shrimp, fish, and other aquaculture species. These tools have empowered farmers to identify and mitigate disease outbreaks promptly, reducing economic losses and promoting healthier stocks. Ms. Subhashini has also played a critical role in formulating biosecurity protocols and environmentally friendly health management products that minimize the reliance on antibiotics, supporting sustainable aquaculture practices.

In addition to her research and product development efforts, Ms. Subhashini is actively involved in capacity-building initiatives, providing training to aquaculture professionals and farmers on best practices in disease prevention and health management. Her contributions have significantly impacted the aquaculture sector by enhancing disease resilience and promoting sustainable, eco-friendly practices, ensuring long-term industry growth and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Pawan Dhar, is a renowned expert in synthetic biology and systems biology, with emerging contributions to aquaculture biotechnology. With a diverse scientific background, Dr. Dhar’s work emphasizes leveraging synthetic biology to address challenges in sustainable aquaculture and aquatic resource management.

One of his notable contributions is the exploration of bioengineering solutions to enhance aquaculture productivity. By integrating synthetic biology techniques, he has worked on designing microbial consortia that improve water quality, promote fish health, and enhance feed efficiency, which are critical for sustainable aquaculture systems. His research also focuses on bio-manufacturing platforms for producing bioactive compounds and probiotics tailored for aquaculture applications, minimizing the reliance on antibiotics and chemical additives.

Dr. Dhar’s innovative approaches aim to improve resilience in aquaculture systems while reducing environmental impact. His work has paved the way for developing cost-effective and scalable solutions for disease management, nutrient optimization, and eco-friendly practices in aquaculture. Beyond research, he actively advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, merging biology and technology to foster innovation. Dr. Dhar’s pioneering contributions hold significant promise for the future of sustainable aquaculture and global food security.

Dr. S. R. Krupesha Sharma, a Principal Scientist at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is a distinguished expert in marine aquaculture and sustainable mariculture practices. With extensive experience in developing innovative technologies and farming systems, his work has significantly advanced India’s marine aquaculture sector, particularly in the production of high-value species. Dr. Sharma specializes in seed production, grow-out culture, and the development of sustainable farming methods for finfish, shellfish, and seaweed, contributing to enhanced productivity and profitability for coastal communities.

One of his notable contributions is the promotion of open-sea cage farming, a practice that has gained popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional aquaculture systems. His work in optimizing cage design, site selection, and species suitability has helped expand this technology, supporting coastal livelihoods and reducing pressure on wild fish stocks. Dr. Sharma has also been instrumental in developing hatchery protocols to ensure the availability of high-quality seed for marine species.

In addition to his research, Dr. Sharma is actively involved in training programs, policy advocacy, and community engagement, fostering the adoption of best practices in mariculture. His efforts have played a crucial role in shaping sustainable marine aquaculture in India, promoting environmental stewardship and economic growth.

Dr. P.K. Patil, Principal Scientist in the Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), is a leading expert in aquatic animal health and disease management. His work has significantly contributed to the sustainability and productivity of brackishwater aquaculture in India, focusing on health management strategies for farmed shrimp and fish species. Dr. Patil’s research addresses critical challenges such as disease outbreaks, biosecurity, and the environmental impact of aquaculture practices.

He is well-known for developing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols for early detection of pathogens, enabling timely interventions that minimize losses for aquaculture farmers. His work on health monitoring and biosecurity measures has been pivotal in reducing the reliance on antibiotics, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly aquaculture practices. Dr. Patil has also contributed to research on host-pathogen interactions, helping to better understand disease dynamics in brackishwater systems.

In addition to his research, Dr. Patil actively engages in capacity-building programs, training farmers, researchers, and stakeholders in sustainable aquaculture health management. His contributions have strengthened India’s brackishwater aquaculture sector, supporting livelihoods, improving productivity, and ensuring environmental sustainability through responsible aquaculture practices.

Dr. Prem Kumar, a Senior Scientist in the Finfish Culture Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), is recognized for his contributions to finfish aquaculture and sustainable fish farming practices. His research focuses on advancing breeding, seed production, and grow-out techniques for economically important finfish species, essential for enhancing fish farming efficiency and profitability. Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in developing improved methods for breeding and rearing native fish species, supporting biodiversity conservation while boosting aquaculture productivity in India.

One of Dr. Kumar’s notable achievements is his work in the area of seed production technology, which addresses one of the primary challenges in aquaculture—reliable and high-quality seed supply. His innovations in hatchery management and nursery techniques have significantly increased survival rates and growth performance in key species, directly benefiting fish farmers. Additionally, his research on sustainable feed formulations and water quality management has contributed to more eco-friendly and cost-effective practices.

Dr. Kumar’s outreach efforts include training programs for farmers and aquaculture professionals, spreading knowledge on best practices and sustainable techniques. His contributions are vital to India’s aquaculture industry, promoting the responsible expansion of finfish farming to meet the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable seafood.

Dr. David Verner-Jeffreys is a Senior Scientist at WorldFish and an esteemed expert in aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity. With a background in fish pathology and disease management, Dr. Verner-Jeffreys has dedicated his career to developing solutions that enhance disease prevention and sustainable health practices in aquaculture systems globally. His research focuses on combating infectious diseases that impact fish farming, particularly in developing countries, where aquaculture plays a crucial role in food security and livelihoods.

A key aspect of Dr. Verner-Jeffreys’ work is the development of diagnostic tools and health management protocols that enable early detection and effective control of pathogens in aquaculture. His contributions include pioneering biosecurity measures and alternatives to antibiotic use, promoting environmentally friendly approaches to disease control. His research in microbial ecology and vaccine development for aquatic species has significantly reduced disease outbreaks, improving productivity and sustainability within the industry.

Dr. Verner-Jeffreys collaborates with governments, NGOs, and industry partners to promote knowledge-sharing and implement best practices across diverse aquaculture settings. His efforts are highly valued for advancing sustainable, responsible aquaculture practices worldwide, fostering resilience and supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while enhancing the global supply of safe, high-quality seafood.

Dr. M. Shashi Shekhar, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health and environmental management in brackishwater aquaculture. With extensive experience in fish and shrimp health management, his work addresses critical challenges in disease prevention, environmental sustainability, and biosecurity, contributing to the growth and resilience of India’s brackishwater aquaculture sector. By emphasizing biosecurity, environmental monitoring, and eco-friendly health management practices, Dr. Shekhar has contributed to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of shrimp and fish farming.

Dr. Shekhar’s research focuses on understanding disease dynamics, developing diagnostic tools, and creating effective management strategies for major pathogens affecting farmed shrimp and fish. His pioneering work on early disease detection and health management protocols has been instrumental in reducing disease-related losses, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability for aquaculture farmers. He also promotes the use of probiotics, immunostimulants, and other sustainable practices to reduce reliance on antibiotics, supporting both animal health and environmental sustainability and encouraging eco-friendly disease management solutions. His expertise has been crucial in managing diseases like white spot disease and vibriosis, which can cause substantial losses for farmers.

Dr. Shekhar is also a key figure in advancing environmental monitoring practices in aquaculture, ensuring that farming activities have minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems.