World Congress on Aquaculture, Fisheries & Marine Biology 2026

Dr. K. Pani Prasad, presently Professor and Research Coordinator at Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University, Andhra Pradesh, India and former Dean (ER) at CIFE, Mumbai, is a distinguished scientist and educator with over 35 years of expertise in aquatic animal health. He has made significant strides in the development of advanced disease diagnostics and control measures, particularly for fish and shrimp, and is a recognized authority on antimicrobial resistance. His broad career has spanned roles as a researcher, professor, scientist, extension worker, and administrator, where he has continually driven innovation and excellence in the field. Dr. Prasad is particularly known for his pioneering work in creating immunodiagnostic kits, which enable rapid and precise detection of diseases in aquaculture. His expertise has made a lasting impact in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, an urgent challenge in modern aquaculture. Beyond his research, Dr. Pani Prasad has contributed his knowledge and leadership to international and national projects. He has served as a National Consultant for esteemed organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh, where he helped enhance quality control in shrimp hatcheries and laboratories. His research portfolio is impressive, with more than 170 publications in top-tier, peer reviewed journals. As a Principal Investigator, he has led numerous externally funded projects, including those supported by the Department of Biotechnology and the National Fisheries Development Board. These initiatives focus on aquatic disease surveillance, fish health networking, and tackling antimicrobial resistance within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors across India. Dr. Pani Prasad's mentorship has shaped the next generation of fisheries experts. He has guided 15 Ph.D. students and 68 Master's students, helping them explore vital aspects of health management in aquaculture. In addition to his academic contributions, he has conducted over 22 training programs for farmers, researchers, and students, addressing crucial topics such as disease diagnostics and antimicrobial resistance. Through his extensive research, leadership, and dedication, Dr. Prasad has made transformative contributions to the field of aquatic animal health, significantly advancing sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture.

Elm is the owner of Cajamarca Exotic Plants. Her research interests include evolutionary ecology and she is focused on diverse microorganisms, the properties of compounds the organisms are known to attach and either biodegradation or biodeteriation as the end result. She is currently a student at Unity University studying Marine Science and Sustainable Aquaculture.

Amit Das is a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and MS in Agronomy from the Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh. Currently pursuing his PhD in Fisheries Science at the Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has gained research experience in metabolomics, plant science, biotechnology, molecular biology, bioprocessing and biochemical analysis. He also worked as a teacher in Agriculture. His PhD research area is the processing of sea cucumbers for the isolation of bioactive compounds.

Julita Gutkowska is a senior specialist at the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Poland. She specializes in the biology and ecology of Baltic small pelagic fish. She earned her Master’s degree in Oceanography from the University of Gdańsk, Poland. She is a member of two ICES working groups whose work focuses on fisheries. Currently, she concentrates on the biology of sprat, one of the key commercial species in the Baltic Sea.

PHD. Minerva C. Maldonado earned a Bachelor's degree in Oceanology in Baja California, Mexico, a Master's degree from the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and a Doctorate in Science in the Use, Management, and Preservation of Natural Resources from the Northwest Biological Research Center (CIBNOR) in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, specializing in Marine Fish Reproduction at the IATS in Castellón, Spain. She has worked for 29 years as a Senior Researcher at CIBNOR. Her research has focused on marine fish farming, and she has published numerous scientific articles in indexed journals and popular science articles. She has led research projects funded by the federal government for community projects and has established partnerships with private companies. She has also trained instructors at various academic levels, conducted courses on marine fish, and helped organize a Science Fair for students from preschool through high school, emphasizing the scientific method. He believes that developing aquaculture in Mexico is a high priority for recovering and preserving the diversity of various species that are being overexploited and left unregulated. He believes that the sea is important for our health because we can obtain high-quality marine protein through aquaculture.

Deloar Oliveira has been a researcher in Marine Sciences since 2015, participating in various projects in Environmental Monitoring in coastal areas. Nowadays, dedicated to lecturing at UNIBRA and researching at UERJ with emphasis on Maritime transportation and environmental issues of emerging pollutants. Holds a degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Environmental Sciences from the Federal University of Pernambuco, a Master's degree in Oceanography from the Federal University of Pernambuco, and a multidisciplinary PhD in Environment from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. Member of the CEE 106 commission of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards, which deliberates on ecotoxicity tests in Brazil. Extensive experience in Environmental Monitoring in port areas in different environmental matrices. Currently teaches at UNIBRA in the Biology, Veterinary Medicine, and Pedagogy courses. Since his doctorate, he has dedicated himself to studying the environmental impacts arising from navigation, as well as the legislation that permeates the activity, developing monitoring methods and evaluating the potential interaction between contaminants used in antifouling paints. Also, a regular reviewer of journals and academic papers.

Ariel Badrina Lanceta Jr. is a dedicated fisheries professional and registered PRC Fisheries Professional, currently pursuing a PhD in Aquatic Science and Technology at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST). He holds an M.S. in Fisheries from the State University of Northern Negros and a B.S. in Fisheries from Laguna State Polytechnic University. With extensive experience in research, aquaculture, microplastics analysis, and aquatic resource management, he combines laboratory expertise, data management, and program coordination to advance sustainable solutions in aquatic conservation and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Muchlisin is a senior Professor in Ichthyology and aquaculture. He was graduated in Aquaculture from University of Riau, Indonesia (Bachelor in Aquaculture). He started working for Syiah Kuala University from 1999 to present. Muchlisin was completed his M.Sc & Ph.D Degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia in Aquaculture and Ichthyology, respectively. He has published many papers in several reputable journals and editor for several journals proceedings and books & reviewer for some referred journals. Presently Muchlisin is the Dean of Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala from 2018 to 2026.

Ben Naoum Badreddine, has held a doctorate in science, specializing in environmental science, with a focus on water and the environment, since November 2025. He currently holds the position of Head of the Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Department at the Fisheries and Aquaculture Directorate of Sidi Bel Abbes. An associate professor at Djillali Liabas University in Sidi Bel Abbes, and a researcher at the "Eco- development of Spaces Laboratory," his activities consist of monitoring coastal pollution and implementing environmental management strategies along the Algerian coastline (publications, national and international scientific conferences, etc.). His main research focuses on assessing water quality along the Oran coastline and addressing pollution, ecology, and marine biodiversity. He is involved in the creation of the artificial reef at Bousfer in Oran, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This is a pioneering ecological project in Algeria aimed at restoring marine biodiversity. Located in Bousfer Bay, it is scheduled for completion in 2025. In the same vein, she will participate in a short-term internship in Japan in 2023 to gain insight into the co-management of artisanal fisheries through a participatory approach.

Ntandokayise Makhathini is an early-career researcher/PhD student specialising in inland fisheries, socio-ecological systems, and data-driven environmental analysis. He has experience working in the field of inland fisheries and using spatial planning tools, and using socio-economic methods to support sustainable fisheries management in South Africa. His work integrates ecology, data science, and community engagement, with a growing focus on machine learning and data management for environmental research. Ntandokayise has contributed to multiple collaborative projects and workshops through Sol Plaatje University and the SAEON Graduate Student Network, aiming to strengthen evidence-based decision-making for aquatic resource conservation.

Chiali Charif Khadidja, born on 10 August 1974 in Saida, Algeria, is a lecturer at the University of Sidi Bel Abbés, Algeria, where she has been serving since 2001. She holds a PhD in Applied Ecology, which she obtained in 2001, and has extensive academic and teaching experience in her field.

Tsegay Fisseha, a lecturer and researcher at Mizan-Tepi University (MTU), Ethiopia, specializing in aquatic ecology and aquaculture. He earned a B.Sc. (Honors) in Applied Biology from Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 2013. In 2017, he joined prestigious International MSc Program in Aquatic Ecosystems and Environmental Management jointly offered by AAU, Bahir Dar University, and BOKU (Austria). His research interests are focused on sustainable aquaculture, fish feeds, aquaculture management, fish health, limnology, aquatic ecology, and fish ecology. Since 2020, he is serving as a lecturer and researcher at MTU, leading projects on small-scale aquaculture, fish health, and aquatic biodiversity.