P.U. Zacharia

Dr. P.U. Zacharia is a distinguished marine biologist with extensive expertise in marine fisheries stock assessment and fishery management. He obtained his Masters in Marine Biology from Cochin University in 1982 and later earned a Ph.D. in Biosciences from Mangalore University. His career began with joining the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in 1986 at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Cochin, and he subsequently worked at the Mangalore and Tuticorin Research Centres of CMFRI.

Over the years, Dr. Zacharia has led several significant research projects, including serving as the Principal Investigator for the ICAR-sponsored “National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)” project at CMFRI from 2011 to 2022. His leadership in these projects has contributed greatly to the understanding and management of marine fisheries in India. From 2010 to 2022, Dr. Zacharia served as the Principal Scientist and Head of the Demersal Fisheries Division at ICAR-CMFRI in Kochi. His 36 years of experience include developing fishery management plans for maritime states, trophic modelling, ecosystem-based fisheries management, and addressing the impacts of climate change on marine fisheries. He has also played a pivotal role in formulating adaptation and mitigation plans for these challenges.

Dr. Zacharia has authored 15 books and published over 300 research papers in both national and international journals. His work has earned him recognition as a member of the Marine Biological Association of India and as the Chief Editor of the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India from 2013 to 2020. Additionally, he has been a member of the National Task Force of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME).

Beyond his research and administrative roles, Dr. Zacharia is a dedicated educator, serving as a research guide at four universities. His extensive publication record and contributions to marine science are accessible on his ResearchGate profile. His work continues to influence the field of marine fisheries and the sustainable management of marine resources.

Publications