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Muneer, A., Kiran, R.B.P,2024. Biosecure semi-intensive polyculture of Nile Tilapia and Striped Catfish in silpaulin lined pond: Growth performances and economics. Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, 12(1) | pp. 37-40.
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Dominic, D.D., Muneer, A., Eldho, L., Jose, S., Sajeevan, T.P., Puthumana, J., Philip, R., Joseph, V. and Singh, I.B., 2024. Propagation of IHHNV (Infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus)/PstDVI and MBV (Monodon baculovirus)/PmNV in shrimp primary haemocyte culture. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 203, p.108062.
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Dominic, D.V.D., Sajeevan, T.P., Ameer, A., Muneer, A., Eldho, L., Anoop, B.S., Jayesh, P., Joseph, V., Philip, R. and Singh, I.S.B., 2023. In vitro propagation of infectious hypodermal hematopoietic necrosis virus (Penaeus stylirostris penstyldensovirus) in Pm LyO-Sf 9 cells. Archives of Virology, 168(8), p.211.
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Ameer, A., Saranya, M., Gopakumar, L., Murray F. Aravind U.K., Nejumal K.K., Muneer, A., Singh, I.S.B.,2023. Leaves of Rhizophora mucronata hold quorum quenching moieties functional on the shrimp pathogen Vibrio harveyi as the prospective drug of choice in aquaculture. Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, 11(1) pp. 1-11.
Muneer A.
Senior Research Fellow
Dynamic and accomplished Research Fellow specializing in aquaculture, with a focus on aquatic animal health, I bring extensive theoretical knowledge and practical experience in areas such as aquatic animal diseases, fish and shellfish virology, molecular biology, animal cell culture, and microbiology. With a Bachelor’s in Zoology, Master of Science and Master of Philosophy in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries from the University of Kerala. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Aquatic Animal Health from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) focusing on fish viral diseases. Over six years, I have honed my expertise in laboratory instrumentation, research project management, and extension services, including serving as an instructor and convenor of skill development programs. As the president of the Association of Fisheries Graduates (AFG), a Core member of Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP)- India node, a member of the Indian Virological Society (IVS), World Aquaculture Society (WAS), the Fisheries Society of British Isles (FSBI), Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM), International Society for Aquatic Animal Epidemiology (ISAAE) and American Society for Microbiology (ASM), I actively engage in organizational activities, building professional networks and demonstrating leadership for the advancement of this field. My professional goal is to leverage my skills and experience to drive innovation, address challenges, and contribute to sustainable practices in aquaculture and aquatic animal health which ultimately conserves the well-being of aquatic ecosystems
Topic of Research
Virus multiplication cycle in finfishes: Epidemiology, transmission, host-pathogen interaction and release
One of the major constraints in aquaculture is diseases of infectious and non-infectious nature. Among that, viruses are the “principal pathogens” affecting the aquaculture industry globally. Newly emerging and re-emerging viruses have been reporting from different parts of the world. More than a hundred fish viruses have been reported so far including causatives of eight OIE listed fish diseases.
Purpose of this study is to unravel Virus multiplication cycle in finfishes, especially on Epidemiology, transmission, host-pathogen interaction and release. Such an approach shall facilitate the generation of new information on the mechanism of virus multiplication cycle elucidating the vulnerable spots at which the multiplication cycle could be inhibited in the host. This will lead to the discovery of novel drugs to combat viral infection in finfishes.
Professional Experience
- Research Scholar (23 December 2019 to Present)
- Project Associate I at National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology (01 April 2019 to 31 March 2021)
- Junior Research Fellow at National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology (18 February 2019 to 31 March 2019)
- Project assistant in Amity Center for Marine Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram (27 March 2017 to 31 October 2017)
Publications
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Sasikumar, P., Aparna, V., Sebastian, A.T., Muneer, A., Prabha, B., Vipin, C.L. and Ijinu, T.P., 2024. Clinically tested marine mollusk-derived anticancer agents: Chemico-pharmacological aspects. Studies in Natural Products Chemistry, 83, pp.95-131.
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Muneer, A., Neethu, N. and Pramodkiran, R. B. Polyculture of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Striped Catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) in Silpaulin Lined Pond in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala In: International Conference on Environmental Sustainability for Food Security organized by Sree Ayyappa College of Women on 22-24 September 2016, 294pp.
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Muneer, A., Jayesh, B.P., Raji, S., Sobhanakumar, K. and Mithun Sukumaran. Water quality dynamics in Aquaponics. In: Proceeding Of International Conference on Innovations and Sustainable Research in Environment and Life Sciences, Organized by Dept. of Zoology, Fatima Mata National College, Kollam on 7-9 August 203 pp.
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Muneer, A. and Mithun Sukumaran. Water usage in outdoor media based aquaponics. In: One Day National Seminar on Recent Advances in Zoological Sciences organized by Dept. of Zoology, University of Kerala on 16 October 30, 2018.
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Muneer A., Akhil Ignus, Sobhanakumar K. and Mithun Sukumaran, 2019. Influence of tomato, ladies finger and spinach on the utilization of inorganic nitrogen in media based ebb-and-flow aquaponics system In: Proceeding of 31st Kerala Science Congress during 2-3 February 2019.
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Muneer A., Diya Dominic D.V., Linu Eldho, Akshay P.S., Keerthana P.V., Sajeevan T.P. and I.S. Bright Singh. 2022. Viral Disease Profile of Fish Culture in Kerala: Molecular Epidemiology During 2019-21 In: Proceeding of 34th Kerala Science Congress during 10-12 February 2022.
Supervising Guide
Prof. I. S. Bright Singh 
Technical Skills & Attributes
- DNA/RNA Extraction, Amplification (PCR) and Gel electrophoresis
- PCR Cloning
- Primary cell culture and cell line maintenance
- Fish virus isolation and propagation
- Basic bioinformatics tools
- Microbiological techniques
- Histology and Histopathology
- Design and construction of Aquaponics
- Water Quality Analysis
- Biochemical Analysis
- Microscopy and Spectrophotometry
- Live feed culture for Aquaculture
- Computer Applications and Internet
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.
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.
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. K.V. Rajendran is a prominent aquaculture scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) in India, recognized for his expertise in fish health management and aquatic animal disease control. With a focus on advancing disease diagnostics, biosecurity, and sustainable health practices in aquaculture, Dr. Rajendran’s work has greatly contributed to improving the resilience and productivity of India’s aquaculture sector. His research addresses major challenges related to fish and shellfish health, particularly in diagnosing and managing viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases that impact farmed species.
Dr. T. Raja Swaminathan is a renowned scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi, India, with expertise in fish health management, aquaculture biosecurity, and disease diagnostics. His work focuses on addressing challenges related to aquatic animal health, particularly in ensuring sustainable and safe practices in India’s aquaculture industry. Dr. Swaminathan is recognized for his contributions to the detection and control of fish and shellfish diseases, which are critical for enhancing productivity and reducing economic losses in aquaculture.
Dr. Neeraj Sood, a distinguished scientist at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) in India, is recognized for his work in fish genetics, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His research focuses on the genetic characterization and conservation of fish biodiversity, which is critical for protecting valuable genetic resources and promoting sustainable aquaculture. By identifying and cataloging fish species and their genetic diversity, Dr. Sood has contributed to the preservation of native fish species, ensuring that these resources can support resilient and productive aquaculture systems in India.
Dr. B. Santhosh, a leading scientist at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is known for his impactful contributions to marine aquaculture and coastal fisheries development in India. His work focuses on advancing sustainable practices in mariculture, particularly in seed production, hatchery technology, and the cultivation of high-value marine species like finfish, shellfish, and sea cucumbers. Dr. Santhosh’s research has played a critical role in supporting livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by promoting aquaculture as a viable and environmentally sustainable industry.
Dr. Victoria Alday-Sanz is a renowned aquaculture expert at National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) in Saudi Arabia, recognized globally for her work in shrimp health management, biosecurity, and sustainable aquaculture practices. With a background in veterinary science and extensive experience in aquatic animal health, Dr. Alday-Sanz has played a critical role in advancing shrimp farming practices to enhance productivity while maintaining rigorous biosecurity standards. Her work is instrumental in addressing major health challenges in shrimp aquaculture, particularly in the prevention and management of viral and bacterial diseases that can impact large-scale operations.
J.M.P.K. Jayasinghe is a distinguished figure in aquaculture, known for his contributions to sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in Asia. With a focus on innovative aquaculture technologies and resource management, he has dedicated his career to improving the productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of aquaculture systems. Jayasinghe has been involved in developing best practices that help small-scale and commercial farmers enhance yields while minimizing the environmental impact, which is crucial for both economic growth and ecological health.
Dr. Vasant Kripa is the former Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) in Chennai, India, and a highly respected scientist in marine biology, coastal aquaculture, and environmental management. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kripa has been instrumental in developing policies and practices that promote sustainable and responsible coastal aquaculture in India. Her work has focused on balancing the growth of aquaculture with environmental conservation, ensuring that coastal ecosystems remain resilient and productive.
Dr. K.M. Shankar is the Vice Chairman of the Asian Fisheries Society, Indian Branch, and former Dean of the College of Fisheries in Mangalore, India. A highly respected figure in fish health management and aquaculture, Dr. Shankar has contributed significantly to advancing aquaculture science, particularly in aquatic animal health, biotechnology, and sustainable fisheries. His research focuses on pathogen detection, disease management, and biosecurity in aquaculture, addressing key challenges to improve productivity and sustainability in the industry.
Prof. Arun K. Dhar is a Professor and Director of the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory at the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, USA. An expert in aquaculture pathology and virology, Prof. Dhar is highly regarded for his research on diseases affecting shrimp and other aquatic species. His work focuses on identifying, understanding, and managing viral pathogens that pose significant threats to aquaculture industries globally.
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar is a distinguished Indian microbiologist and food safety expert, known for his pioneering work in aquatic microbiology, aquaculture health, and public health. His research focuses on seafood safety and disease management in aquaculture, with significant contributions to understanding and controlling microbial pathogens, such as Vibrio species, which affect marine organisms. His work has helped develop diagnostic tools and strategies that promote sustainability in aquaculture and ensure safer seafood.
Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo is the Director-cum-ICAR National Professor at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA). A leading expert in fish health management and aquatic animal diseases, Dr. Sahoo’s work focuses on advancing disease control, immunology, and molecular biology in freshwater aquaculture. His research is pivotal in improving the health, resilience, and sustainability of India’s aquaculture industry, which plays a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods.
Dr. Rohana Subasinghe is the Managing Director of FutureFish, a consultancy specializing in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development. With over 30 years of experience in aquaculture, aquatic animal health, and international fisheries, Dr. Subasinghe is a globally recognized expert dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that support food security, environmental protection, and socioeconomic growth.
Dr. Eduardo Leano is the Director General of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), an intergovernmental organization focused on sustainable aquaculture development in the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong background in aquatic animal health and pathology, Dr. Leano has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, improving disease management, and promoting biosecurity within the industry.