Dr. Balakrishnan S: Scientist – E at Zoological Survey of India, Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre, India
Dr. S. Balakrishnan is a marine biologist and oceanographer with over sixteen years of professional experience in marine biodiversity research, conservation, and academic mentoring. He currently serves as Scientist–E and Officer-in-Charge at the Marine Aquarium & Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Digha, West Bengal. His work focuses on documenting and conserving India’s marine fauna, studying plankton ecology, and exploring the bioactive potential of marine organisms for applications in environmental sustainability and human health. Dr. Balakrishnan has established advanced laboratory and museum facilities at ZSI MARC and continues to contribute significantly to India’s marine biodiversity initiatives at both national and international levels.
Online Profiles
Dr. S. Balakrishnan’s research contributions have been widely recognized, with a total of 777 citations to date, including 438 since 2020, reflecting the growing relevance of his recent work. His h-index is 14 (12 since 2020), and his i10-index is 16 (12 since 2020), indicating both the breadth and sustained impact of his scientific publications. These metrics highlight his active and influential role in marine biodiversity and ecological research.
Education
He received his Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Oceanography from Annamalai University in 2013, with research on insect diversity in mangrove ecosystems along India’s southeast coast. He further pursued an M.Phil. in Marine Biology (2009), where he studied biodiversity in marine insects of the Coromandel Coast, complementing his foundational degrees in Zoology (M.Sc. 2007, B.Sc. 2004). His strong educational background has provided a rare blend of terrestrial zoology and marine ecosystem specialization, equipping him with both broad and niche expertise that underpins his research in biodiversity, taxonomy, and marine conservation.
Research Focus
Dr. Balakrishnan’s research is deeply rooted in marine biodiversity and ecological conservation, with emphasis on taxonomy and systematics of zooplankton, polychaetes, and crustaceans. He has pioneered studies on the ecological roles of marine microalgae and their bioactive compounds, exploring their potential in mosquito control and as natural bioproducts. His work also investigates meiofauna ecology, mangrove and seagrass-associated faunal diversity, and the impacts of environmental change on marine ecosystems. He integrates molecular tools, statistical software, and advanced laboratory methods with field-based ecological assessments, ensuring a holistic approach to marine science research.
Experience
In his current role as Scientist–E and Officer-in-Charge of ZSI MARC, Dr. Balakrishnan oversees marine research programs, manages national zoological collections, and leads initiatives in biodiversity documentation and conservation awareness. Previously, he served as Scientist–D, where he functioned as Nodal Officer for the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP), coordinating multi-institutional conservation efforts. He was awarded the UGC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2015–2017) for his innovative work on isolating bioactive compounds from microalgae against vector-borne diseases. His early career included several years as Junior and Senior Research Fellow under MoES projects, during which he gained extensive field experience through onboard research cruises across India’s coastal and oceanic waters.
Research Timeline & Activities
Across his research career, Dr. Balakrishnan has designed, executed, and completed numerous national-level projects addressing marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. Completed projects include baseline surveys of zooplankton distribution, mangrove and estuarine faunal assessments, seagrass- and seaweed-associated faunal studies, and by-catch documentation at fishing harbors. He currently leads projects on meiofauna assemblages, polychaete taxonomy, and long-term monitoring of faunal diversity along the Digha coast. His approach combines field expeditions, laboratory culture experiments, molecular diagnostics, and ecological modeling, reflecting a balanced integration of classical taxonomy with modern research techniques.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Balakrishnan is the recipient of the prestigious UGC Postdoctoral Research Award (2015–2017) for his innovative work on marine microalgae and vector control applications. He was recognized with the Best Volunteer Award during the National Workshop on Climate Change Impact on the Marine Environment (2017). As Officer-in-Charge at ZSI MARC, he established the DNA Molecular Biosystematics Laboratory and the Coral Reef Museum, which stand as permanent contributions to India’s marine research infrastructure. His professional memberships include the Indian Science Congress Association and the International Society of Zoological Sciences, reflecting his active engagement with the global scientific community.
Top Recent Publication
One of his notable recent publications is Jagadeesan, L., Balakrishnan, S., et al. (2025). Phaeocystis Bloom in Coastal Waters off Digha: Dynamics, Biomass, and Ecological Implications. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 215:117906. This study documents the occurrence and ecological impact of a significant Phaeocystis bloom in Indian coastal waters, providing critical insights into harmful algal bloom dynamics, coastal ecosystem monitoring, and the implications for fisheries and local livelihoods. The work underscores his contribution to advancing marine ecological research in India.
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Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from mangrove plant (Avicennia marina) extract and their potential mosquito larvicidal property. Journal of Parasitic Diseases, 2014 — 91 citations.
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Characteristic levels of heavy metals in canned tuna fish. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences, 2012 — 87 citations.
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Antimicrobial activities of the tissue extracts of Babylonia spirata Linnaeus, 1758 (Mollusca: Gastropoda). Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2012 — 73 citations.
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Nutritional value of gastropod Babylonia spirata (Linnaeus, 1758). Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2011 — 61 citations.
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Studies on diversity of fin fish larvae in Vellar estuary, Southeast coast of India. World Journal of Fish and Marine Science, 2010 — 55 citations.