Focus of Research :
- Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
- Molluscan biodiversity, Biodiversity loss, Habitat degradation, Ecosystem valuation
- Ecosystem based fisheries management and biodiversity conservation
Background :
Masters in Mariculture in 1986 and PhD in crustacean physiology in 1991 I am working in CMFRI since 1993 on molluscan fisheries and mariculture. I have worked on bivalve,and cephalopod fisheries, biology and population dynamics. In mollusc mariculture, I have contributed to the development of hatchery seed production of bivalves, Perna viridis and Isognomium ephippium, gastropods Babylonia spirata and Hemifusus pugilinus as well as to the growth of commercial bivalve mariculture in the country. Since 2013, I am working on coastal and marine biodiversity, coral reef ecosystem, valuation of marine ecosystems and molecular taxonomy. I am concerned about conservation of marine fisheries and ecosystem based on ecosystem based fisheries management principles.
Education :
- PhD 1991 Cochin University of Science & Technology
- MSc 1986 Mariculture, Cochin University of Science & Technology
- BSc 1983 Zoology, University of Kerala
Current Research Projects :
| No | Title | Funded By |
| 1 | Investigations on vulnerable coral reef ecosystems of Indian waters with special emphasis on formulation of management measures for conservation. | CMFRI |
| 2 | Assessment of fishing impacts on the biodiversity loss, with special reference to the threatened species, to formulate management options for their protection | CMFRI |
Awards & Recognitions :
- 2011 TVR Pillay Aquaculture Award for outstanding aquaculture research and extension
- Member, Mussel Standards Technical Committee, Best Aquaculture Practices on Mussel farming, Global aquaculture Alliance, USA
Publications:
Best 5 Publications :
1. Laxmilatha, P (2013) Population dynamics of the edible clam Meretrix casta (Chemnitz) (International Union for Conservation of Nature status: Vulnerable) from two estuaries of North Kerala, south west coast of India. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 5 (10). pp. 253-261.
2. Laxmilatha, P (2013) Review of the Green Mussel Perna viridis Fishery of South West Coast of India. Indian Journal of Marine Sciences, 3 (48). pp. 408-416.
3. Laxmilatha, P and Rao, G Syda and Patnaik, P and Rao, T Nageswara and Rao, M Prasada and Dash, Biswajit (2011)Potential for the hatchery production of spat of the green mussel Perna viridis Linnaeus (1758). Aquaculture, 312 . pp. 88-94.
4. Laxmilatha, P and Thomas, S and Asokan, P K and Surendranath, V G and Sivadasan, M P and Ramachandran, N P(2009) Mussel farming initiatives in north Kerala, India: a case of successful adoption of technology, leading to rural livelihood transformation. Aquaculture Asia, 14 (4). pp. 9-13.
5. Laxmilatha, P (2008) Biometric relationships of Mactra violacea (Gmelin) from Kerala, south-west coast of India. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 55 (4). pp. 349-351.
