Dr. Dineshbabu AP | Marine Citizen – Principal Scientist at ICAR Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, India
Dr. Dineshbabu Aayathan Puthiya Purayil is a distinguished marine scientist and research strategist with over three decades of scientific excellence in India’s premier marine research agency. He currently serves as the Principal Scientist and Head of the Shellfish Fisheries Division at the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Renowned for his transformative contributions to sustainable trawl fisheries, marine spatial planning, and climate-resilient aquaculture, Dr. Dineshbabu has shaped both academic progress and policy evolution in India’s coastal and marine resource management sectors. He is also the visionary behind the “Climate Smart Coastal Village” initiative in India—one of the most innovative models for integrating marine science with community-level adaptation strategies.
Academic Profile
Google Scholar
🎓 Education
Dr. Dineshbabu earned his Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from Mangalore University, where his doctoral work focused on shrimp biology and sustainable shrimp fishery management. Prior to this, he obtained a Master’s degree in Mariculture from the Cochin University of Science and Technology, specializing in the biology and aquaculture systems of finfish and shellfish. His academic trajectory demonstrates a consistent focus on crustacean biology, environmental resilience, and ecosystem-based fishery management.
👨🔬 Professional Experience
Spanning more than 32 years, Dr. Dineshbabu’s research career has involved strategic leadership across several divisions within ICAR–CMFRI, including roles as Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, and now Division Head. He has led and contributed to over 18 major research projects, many of which incorporated cutting-edge technologies in GIS mapping, remote sensing, and marine biodiversity assessment. He was instrumental in formulating national guidelines for trawl fisheries management, and collaborated with institutions such as ISRO-SAC for satellite-linked marine resource mapping. His consultancy projects have covered coastal zone monitoring, hydrobiological assessments, and aquaculture zoning for both governmental and industrial clients. His ability to bridge policy, research, and field implementation makes his profile both unique and impactful.
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Dineshbabu’s core research interests lie in marine and coastal fisheries governance, crustacean biodiversity, trawl fishery regulation, climate change vulnerability assessments, and spatial tools for fisheries management. He is a pioneer in introducing marine GIS applications into Indian fishery science and has developed technology frameworks for small-scale coastal aquaculture. Additionally, his research has contributed extensively to the development of Environmental Performance Index (EPI) metrics for evaluating marine fish health—an innovation recognized by ICAR.
🏅 Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Dr. Dineshbabu has received prestigious fellowships and honors, including the FAO/UNDP/ICAR Junior Research Fellowship, the UGC Fellowship, and the NUFFIC Fellowship from the Netherlands. He has represented India in high-level international workshops such as the Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC) Trawl Experts Workshop and FAO consultative forums on sustainable fisheries. He has also played a guiding role in doctoral research at institutions like the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) and Mangalore University, fostering the next generation of marine researchers.
📚 Selected Publications
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🧭 “Handbook on GIS Application in Marine Fisheries” (2019) – A foundational guide on integrating GIS into fisheries. [Cited by 36 articles]
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🌊 “Vulnerability Assessment of Indian Marine Fishes to Climate Change” (2020, ICAR Report) – A milestone study on ecosystem impacts. [Cited by 45 articles]
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🐟 “Inventory of Marine Landing Centres for Marine Spatial Planning” (2018, CMFRI Bulletin) – Crucial data for national spatial zoning. [Cited by 28 articles]
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🦐 “Crustacean Fishery Trends and Management Strategies in India” (2021, Journal of Marine Biology) – Strategic insights on crustacean stock sustainability. [Cited by 21 articles]
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📊 “Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for Marine Fisheries” (2024, ICAR Technology Bulletin) – A novel framework for resource health. [Cited by 17 articles]
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🧪 “Methodologies for Finfish and Shellfish Biology” (2022, Training Manual Series) – Widely used in academic and training programs. [Cited by 11 articles]
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🚤 “Trawl Fishery of the Eastern Arabian Sea: Current Trends and Policy Gaps” (2015, Indian Journal of Fisheries) – Basis for APFIC presentation. [Cited by 33 articles]
🧾 Conclusion
Dr. Dineshbabu’s legacy is marked by groundbreaking research, institutional leadership, and a strong national and international footprint in marine resource governance. His multi-sectoral engagement—from patent-backed technologies to field-validated climate models—illustrates a rare blend of innovation and impact. By integrating geospatial intelligence, ecosystem thinking, and community resilience, he has redefined the role of marine scientists in public service and environmental stewardship. Dr. Dineshbabu is not only a deserving candidate for the Breakthrough Research Award, but also a torchbearer for responsible and transformative marine science in the 21st century.