- Balakrishnan, S., Ameer, A., Pazhur Mohandas, S., Maliyekkal Sajeevan, A.K., Bhaskaran Sathyabhama, A., Singh, B., 2022. Pyocyanin as a safe aquaculture drug for the control of vibriosis in shrimp recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Aquac. Int. 30, 2129–2144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-022-00890-y view
- Anoop, B.S., Puthumana, J., Vazhappilly, C.G., Kombiyil, S., Philip, R., Abdulaziz, A., Bright Singh, I.S., 2021. Immortalization of shrimp lymphoid cells by hybridizing with the continuous cell line Sf9 leading to the development of ‘PmLyO-Sf9 .’ Fish Shellfish Immunol. 113, 196–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2021.03.023 view
- Bhaskaran Sathyabhama, A., Puthumana, J., Kombiyil, S., Philip, R., Bright Singh, I.S., 2021. ‘PmLyO-Sf9 – WSSV complex’ could be a platform for elucidating the mechanism of viral entry, cellular apoptosis and replication impediments. Virology 553, 102–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2020.10.014 view
- Preena, P.G., Rejish Kumar, V.J., Singh, I.S.B., 2021. Nitrification and denitrification in recirculating aquaculture systems: the processes and players. Rev. Aquac. 13, 2053–2075. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12558 view
Diseases are one of the major threats to aquaculture, and without having an appropriate management plan successful culture operation happens to be almost impossible. Recent FAO the State of the World of Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 (FAO, 2022) calls for the transformation of aquatic food systems (towards Blue transformation), and one of the three main goals of the vision is “Sustainable aquaculture expansion and intensification.” The main challenge is the intensification, which will cause infectious diseases to emerge and reappear. Understanding the infections and their interactions with hosts, as well as developing diagnostic tools and preventive measures, are essential for realising these aims on a nationwide scale.
The appearance and spread of serious diseases in aquatic animals is one of the main issues. Intensive aquaculture techniques frequently serve as a staging ground for diseases, while international traffic in aquatic animals and their products provides channels for their trans-border transmission. In general, it is thought that moving live aquatic species carries a higher risk of infection spread than moving dead goods. Aquaculture and international trade will continue to grow regardless of the threats posed by diseases.
Aquatic animal health and disease management are now studied from a variety of angles, such as environmental protection and pollution control, human health and epidemiology, site selection and culture technologies, monitoring and sanitation of aquaculture facilities, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of cultured species, avoidance of nutritional diseases, prevention of epidemics of mortality in culture facilities, formulation and implementation of regulatory measures, and more. Aquatic farm animals, in contrast to terrestrial farm animals, require greater care to monitor their health because they live in a complex and dynamic habitat and are not easily visible except under tank holding settings.
Aquatic animal health management is one of the core research themes of the centre. The research team focusing on bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan and metazoan parasitic diseases of finfish and shellfishes and it’s epidemiology, pathology, host-pathogen interaction, immunology, development of management measures for the control of diseases such as vaccine development, probiotics, bioremediation, prophylactic measures etc. the team working on the development of novel diagnostic tools for the detection and identification of pathogens.
Prof. I. S. Bright Singh demonstrating the dissection and anatomy of a diseased fish
Research scholars involved in the disease surveillance program
Inspecting a diseased shrimp
Research scholars involved in the disease surveillance program
Virus infected cells showing cytopathic effects
Recent Updates
- ‘PmLyO-Sf9 – WSSV complex’ could be a platform for elucidating the mechanism of viral entry, cellular apoptosis and replication impediments.
- A Novel Approach of Transducing Recombinant Baculovirus into Primary Lymphoid Cells of Penaeus monodon for Developing Continuous Cell Line
- Developed novel plant derived products for the management of different aquatic animal diseases.
Research Projects
- Molecular screening, cell culture based isolation and characterization of finfish and shellfish viruses and establishment of National Repository funded by Department of Biotechnology, Govt.of India
- Indo-US initiatives on innovative reforms in marine biotechnology education and research and development of sustainable aquaculture production systems for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development funded by University Grants Commission, Govt. of India (under the Indo-US 21st Century Knowledge Initiative)
- Development of an appropriate delivery system for dsRNA of CMG family hormone genes to effect maturation and spawning of Penaeus monodon under captivity funded by Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment.
- M1. Evaluating costs and benefits of prophylactic health products and novel alternatives on small holder aquaculture farmers in Asia and Africa (IMAQualate) funded by Department of Biotechnology, Govt.of India
Research Publications
- 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.
- Ammu Thomas 2017 Photosynthetic Bacteria For Bioremediation of Hydrogen Sulphide In Aquatic Systems view view
- Preena P.G. 2016 Molecular characterization and cell signaling of nitrifying bacterial consortia in nitrifying bioreactor
- Riya George. Bacillus cereus MCCB 101 as bioaugmentor for detritus degradation in a simulated zero water exchange shrimp grow out system. view view
- Deepesh V. Development and validation of bacterial consortia for bioremediation of detritus in aquaculture systems. view view
- Rose Mary Jose. 2013. Efficacy of marine bacterial probiotics on shrimp post larvae for enhanced growth, survival and protection from Vibrio harveyi.
- Sunitha Poulose. 2013. Marine yeast Candida MCCF 101 as feed supplement in aquaculture: nutritional quality, optimization of large scale production and evaluation of its protective effect on Koi carp from Aeromonas infection.view view
- Sunish KS. 2012. A marine actinomycete Nocardiopsis MCCB 110 as source of novel drugs to manage vibriosis. view view
- Vrinda S. 2012. Development of CHH family recombinant hormones and RNAi for induced maturation of Penaeus monodon. view
- Surekhamol IS. 2012. Vibrio harveyi phages: Isolation, characterization and evaluation of their potential as phage therapeutics on Vibrio harveyi in shrimp hatcheries. view view
- Priyaja P. 2012. Pyocyanin (5-Methyl-hydroxyphenazine) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa as antagonist to Vibrios in aquaculture: Over expression, downstream process and toxicity. view view
- Haseeb M. 2012. Development of zero water exchange shrimp culture systems integrated with bioremediation of detritus and ammonia nitrogen. view view
- Sreelakshmi B. 2011. Molecular approaches for characterization of pathogenicity of vibrios with special reference to Vibrio harveyi from Penaeus monodon larval production system. view view
- Gigi Poulose. 2011. Immune response of Penaeus monodon to the inactivated white spot syndrome virus preparation. view view
- Sudheer NS. 2010. Mangrove plants Ceriops tagal as a potential source of anti-White Spot Syndrome Virus preparation for Penaeus monodon. view view
- Sreedharan K. 2010. Aeromonas associated with freshwater ornamental fish culture systems: Characterization, pathogenicity and management.
- Seena Jose. 2009. Cell Culture Systems from Penaeus monodon: Development and Application. view
- Rejish Kumar VJ. 2009. Nitrifying bioreactors integrated in to shrimp and prawn hatchery systems: Molecular characterization of the nitrifying bacterial consortia, reactor kinetics, modeling and validation. view view
- Manju NJ. 2008. Development of nitrifying and photosynthetic sulphur bacteria based bioaugmentation systems for the bioremediation of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in shrimp culture. view view
- Somnath Pai S. 2007. Biocontrol of Vibrio harveyi in Penaeus monodon larval rearing systems employing probiotics and vibriophages. view view
- Preetha R. 2007. Bioprocess technology for antagonistic Pseudomonas MCCB 102 and 103, Micrococcus MCCB 104, and evaluation of Synechocystis MCCB 114, 115 as probiotics for the management of Vibrio in shrimp culture systems. view view
- Jayaprakash NS. 2005. Antibody Based Diagnostic for Detection Of Vibrios and their Biological Control using Antagonistic Bacteria in Macrobrachium rosenbergii Larval Rearing Systems. view view
- Anas A. 2005. Extraction of Glucan from Acremonium diospyri and Its Application in Macrobrachium rosenbergii Larval Rearing System Along With Bacterians as Microspheres. view view
- Manjusha M. 2003. White Spot Syndrone Virus in Penaeids: Histopathology, Development of Polyclonal Antisera and a Cocktail Vaccine. view view
- Sunil Kumar G. 2000. Development of Cell Culture Systems from Selected Species of Fish and Prawns. view view
- Cini Achuthan. 2000. Development of Bioreactors for Nitrifying Water In Closed System Hatcheries Of Penaeid And Non-Penaeid Prawns. view view
- Saritha G. Bhat. 1998. Systematics and pathogenicity of Vibrionaceae associated with the larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in hatchery. view
Focus Areas
- Isolation, identification and characterization of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic agents of aquatic animals, mainly fishes and shell fishes.
- Developments of possible remedial measures for aquatic animal diseases
- Management of diverse aquaculture environments.
- Building up of repositories of aquatic animal pathogens for research and development.
- Surveillance for the emergence, spread and impact of pathogens in aquaculture.
Collaborating Institutes
ICAR-Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture Central Institute of Fisheries Education University of Calicut Sher – E- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences Technology C Abdul Hakeem College Sea6 Energy Oriental Aquamarine Biotech Private LimitedOur Team
Prof. I. S. Bright Singh
Ahna Ameer
Akshay P. S.
Ambadi Kannan
Diya Dominic
Gopika V. S.
Jini Jimmy
Keerthana P. V.
Linu Eldho
Muneer A.
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.