Dr. Grinson George, Principal Scientist at CMFRI, Kochi since 2018 is on deputation as Senior Programme Specialist (Fisheries) to SAARC Agriculture Centre, Dhaka coordinating the fisheries and aquaculture programs for eight South Asian Nations. He has been active in teaching, research, policy, administration, academics, and industry related to fisheries and aquaculture for over 20 years. Specialized in Fisheries Resource Management, he completed post-doctoral research at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, United Kingdom. He served as honorary coordinator CPR Environmental foundation and Juliette Massey Honorary fellow of World Aquaculture Society. He worked at the Ministry of Education, Maldives (2003-04), as a Scientist at CIARI, Port Blair (2005-12), and Senior Scientist at CMFRI (2012-18). His current research focus is on Citizen Science initiatives to address water quality using satellite remote-sensing and marine bio-optics. He is the recipient of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Puraskar by ICAR
Sustainable coastal mariculture through integrated multi-trophic aquaculture of green mussel (Perna viridis) and silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii) Rajesh K. M., Sujitha Thomas, Sunil Kumar Ail, Dharshan K. S., Dineshbabu A. P., Divya Viswambharan, Akhila U. A., Harshitha R., Narasimha Murthy L. N., Grinson George Aquaculture Reports, 2026 The present study assesses the performance of an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system combining Trachinotus blochii (silver pompano) and Perna viridis (green mussel) across estuarine areas in Udupi district, Karnataka, India. The IMTA system consisted of two fish cages integrated with two mussel rafts. In contrast, the control system, located approximately 1 km away from the IMTA unit, comprised two fish cages and two mussel rafts maintained separately, with a distance of about 500 m between the fish cages and mussel rafts to prevent interaction effects. This experimental arrangement was replicated across four locations. Over a 180-day culture period, key indicators including water quality, growth metrics, survival rates, and economic performance were monitored. Fish reared under the IMTA system exhibited superior growth; with an average weight of 412 ± 7.20 g compared to 338.8 ± 0.72 g at the control site wherein mussels and fishes are reared in isolation. Mussels cultured within the IMTA system achieved higher shell lengths (75.9 ± 1.15 mm) opposed to those in the control (68.2 ± 0.54 mm). Fish survival was notably higher in the IMTA system (84.9 ± 0.9%) relative to the control (78.3 ± 0.5%). Similarly, mussel survival was improved in IMTA (90.54 ± 2.8%), contrast to the control (77.62 ± 9.6%), indicating more favourable rearing conditions. Economically, IMTA demonstrated a better benefit-cost ratio (1.75) over the control (1.34), reflecting improved cost-efficiency and profitability. The findings highlight IMTA’s advantages in terms of enhanced nutrient utilization, growth performance, and economic returns. Additionally, a survey of farmer’s perception on IMTA indicated strong support for IMTA as a community-based, sustainable aquaculture approach, underlining its potential for wider regional implementation.
Modelling primary production: multitude of theories, or multitude of languages? Jozef Skákala, Shubha Sathyendranath, Yuri Artioli, Deep S. Banerjee, Heather Bouman, Robert J. W. Brewin, Momme Butenschön, Stefano Ciavatta, Stephanie Dutkiewicz, Yanna Fidai, David Ford, Grinson George, Karen Guihou, Bror Jönsson, Marija Bačeković Koloper, Žarko Kovač, Lekshmi Krishnakumary, Gemma Kulk, Charlotte Laufkötter, Gennadi Lessin, Jann Paul Mattern, Angélique Melet, Alexandre Mignot, David Moffat, Fanny Monteiro, Mayra Rodriguez Bennadji, Cécile S. Rousseaux, Ranjini Swaminathan, Osvaldo Ulloa, Jerry Tjiputra Ocean Science, 2026 Marine primary production, converting approximately 50 Gt of inorganic carbon into organic carbon per year, is an important component of the global carbon cycle, and a major determinant of past, present and future climate. Large-scale, long-term estimates of marine primary production rely primarily on two types of models: satellite-based models that make extensive use of remote-sensing data, and ecosystem models providing numerical simulation of ecological processes embedded in general ocean circulation models. Intercomparison exercises of model outputs (both within and across the two model types) have consistently revealed high discrepancies between estimated global ocean primary production, including divergent magnitudes and even opposite trends. Model-observation comparisons are also complex, because paucity of data, differences in measurement techniques, and evolving methodologies could all lead to difficulties with the interpretation of results. These uncertainties limit the applications of primary production models (both satellite-based and ecosystem), especially in the climate context, where an important question is whether climate change will drive significant future changes in regional or global primary production. Both satellite-based and ecosystem models rely on a range of fixed model parameters, whose values need to be carefully estimated and tested. In this paper, we suggest that such model parameters represent an underappreciated but important source of inter-model differences. With the proliferation of both satellite and in situ observations of relevant variables at global scales, and the availability of powerful statistical tools such as data assimilation and machine learning, we argue that time is right to systematically examine model parameters, gaining both better insights into parameter values and how those values might vary in space and time. We argue that such spatio-temporal parameter variability can be theoretically justified for ecosystem models with complexity similar to those commonly used within Earth System Models (ESMs) in climate studies. The spatially and temporally varying parameter values could serve to unify models that are structurally different. An important aspect of this unification could be the ability to infer the spatio-temporal variability of parameters in the less complex models from the emergent behaviour of the more complex ones. This could include ecosystem model simulations of nutrients, temperature, phytoplankton classes, or vertical distributions informing satellite-based models. We conclude that better understanding of model parameter roles and integration (or inter-calibration) of different types of models could reduce discrepancies among the primary production models and improve the reliability of marine primary production projections.
Comparative analysis of MHC class II A gene in Trachinotus mookalee and Trachinotus blochii: Molecular identification and in silico characterisation C.Lavina Vincent, Sandhya Sukumaran, Vysakh V G, Wilson Sebastian, Shubhadeep Ghosh, Grinson George, A. Gopalakrishnan Indian Journal of Fisheries, 2026 Trachinotus mookalee and Trachinotus blochii are the two commercially important pompano species successfully farmed in aquaculture, and are susceptible to various infectious diseases. As in higher vertebrates, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene superfamily plays crucial role in the adaptive immunity of teleost fishes by mediating the recognition and presentation of pathogen derived antigens to T cells, thereby contributing to disease resistance. The present study reports the identification and in-silico characterisation of the MHC class II A gene in T. mookalee (Trmo-DAA) and T. blochii (Trbl-DAA). The coding region of the target gene in both species was 1026 bp in length, comprising 4 exons and encoding a polypeptide of 241 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the MHC II A gene of T. blochii is more closely related to Trachinotus ovatus than to T. mookalee. In-silico analysis highlighted that the target gene is involved in the processing and presentation of exogenous antigen, as supported by domain and motif prediction, Gene Ontologies (GO) annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and STRING-based protein-protein interaction networks. The predicted secondary structure (2D) majorly comprised random coils and β strands, while the tertiary structure (3D) showed the highest similarity to the MHC class II A protein of Lates calcarifer. Ramachandran plot validation suggested that the predicted 3D structure of Trbl-DAA exhibits better stereochemical stability than that of Trmo-DAA. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular and structural characteristics of MHC class II A genes in Trachinotus species and may support future studies on disease resistance and selective breeding. Keywords: Disease resistance, Indian pompano, Selective breeding, Silver pompano, Snubnose pompano, Trmo-DAA, Trbl-DAA
Survival and behavioural responses of scalloped spiny lobster, Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus, 1758) to salinity shifts Ratheesh Kumar Raveendran, Sumithra Thangalazhy Gopakumar, Reshma Kalarical Janardhanan, Eldho Varghese, Sreenath K R, Durga V, Rahul R, Zacharia PU, Achamveetil Gopalakrishnan, Grinson George Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 2026 Scientific data on the influences of salinity shifts on the survival and behavioural attributes of marine animals is valuable to select potential coastal aquaculture candidates/commercial cultivation sites and to devise conservation strategies in the climate change scenario. This study establishes the survival ranges following gradual and abrupt salinity shifts for a high-value marine lobster species, Panulirus homarus. Lethal concentration limits differed between gradual and abrupt salinity shifts, with a broader tolerance observed under gradual shifts. There was 100% survival between 17 and 44‰ and between 26 and 41‰ following gradual and abrupt salinity shifts. As behavioural responses are critical in understanding the physiology and welfare status of animals, behavioural attributes, viz. antennule flicking per minute (AFM) and feed response time (FRT) were evaluated upon salinity shifts from the control (35‰). The sudden increase in AFM was the first visible reaction to the salinity shifts followed by a sustained decline beyond particular ranges in both gradual and abrupt shifts. FRT was significantly decreased beyond specific salinity ranges on gradual and abrupt salinity shifts and the animals became completely anorectic beyond 44–14‰, and beyond 44–23‰, respectively, on gradual and abrupt shifts. A better coping mechanism and a wider range of salinity tolerance were observed for gradual shifts than abrupt shifts.
Pioneering Initiatives in Marine Fisheries Advancing Climate Research for Sustainable Ecosystems and Aquaculture Innovations and Practices in Fisheries and Aquaculture Pathways for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals, 2026
First successful trial of seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) cultivation in Karnataka, India K. M. Rajesh, Sujitha Thomas, Sunil Kumar Ail, Divya Viswambharan, K. S. Dharshan, U. A. Akhila, R. Harshitha, Abdul Luhai, A. P. Dineshbabu, B. Johnson, L. N. Narasimha Murthy, Grinson George Indian Journal of Fisheries, 2025 This study highlights the successful raft-based cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii in the Yadamavinahole Estuary, Uppunda, Karnataka over a period of 72 days during pre-monsoon season (February to April, 2025). A total of 20 net tubes were deployed, yielding 180 kg of fresh biomass and the mean biomass per tube was 8.94 ± 0.10 kg. The growth performance was promising with a specific growth rate of 2.06±0.04% day⁻¹ and a daily growth rate of 2.16 ± 0.03% day⁻¹. Optimal water quality conditions supported consistent growth. The trial success underscores the potential for scalable seaweed farming in the region and provides essential insights for enhancing future commercial cultivation practices. Keywords: Blue economy, Coastal communities, Commercial cultivation, Livelihoods
Influence of temperature on early life stages of silver pompano, Trachinotus blochii Krishna Sukumaran, P.S. Pooja, Ambarish P. Gop, Anuraj Anirudhan, G. Rathi Bhuvaneswari, Archana Satheesh, Liyakhath Ali, Muhammed Arshadudeen, S. Nisha, A.P. Dineshbabu, B. Santhosh, V.V.R. Suresh, A. Gopalakrishnan, Grinson George Journal of Thermal Biology, 2025
Understanding recent variations in the zero year-class entries of Indian oil sardine and its impact on the fisheries of Kerala Current Science, 2025
An innovation of two established methods for monitoring water colour and clarity: participatory science using the mini- and midi- secchi disks Robert J. W. Brewin, Xuerong Sun, Joanne L. Wood, Thomas G. Brewin, Delaney McBride, B. Troy Frensley, Philip J. Bresnahan, Stefan G. H. Simis, Norbert Schmidt, Grinson George, Ancy C. Stoy, Nandini N. Menon, Jasmin Chekidhenkuzhiyil, Anas Abdulaziz, Shubha Sathyendranath, Lilian A. Krug, Nabanita Das, Subrata Sarker, Natacha Pasche, Laurence Haller, Yasmin Ghadyani, Daniel Odermatt, Alexandre Camus, Suzanne Mader, Adrien Bonny, Alexis Pochelon, Akintoye Edward Akinnigbagbe, Mauricio Almeida Noernberg, Edem Mahu, Ousmane Diankha, Adriana Gonzalez-Silvera, Waqar Ahmed, Samina Kidwai, Rodrigo Hernandez-Moresino, Ahmed Hussein Mohamed, Wilfried Essowè Panassa, Noir Primadona Purba, Stella Patricia Betancur-Turizo, Lamona Irmudyawati Bernawis, Houssem Smeti, Happiness Anold Moshi Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2025
Seasonality in carbon chemistry of Cochin backwaters P. Pranav, Rajdeep Roy, Chiranjivi Jayaram, Priya M. D’Costa, Saroj Bandhu Choudhury, N. Nandini Menon, P.V. Nagamani, Shubha Sathyendranath, Anas Abdulaziz, M.V.R. Shesha Sai, T. Sajhunneesa, Grinson George Regional Studies in Marine Science, 2021
Effect of sub-lethal concentration of endosulfan on lipid and fatty acid metabolism of spotted murrel, Channa punctatus Journal of Environmental Biology, 2015
Status of coral reefs in Andaman after two major catastrophic events - Tsunami of December 2004 and bleaching of May, 2005 Ecology Environment and Conservation, 2014
Impact of coastal pollution on biological, biochemical and nutritional status of edible oyster in Phoenix Bay Jetty and North Wandoor of Andaman Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2013
Sonneratia ovata (Sonneratiaceae)- A new distributional record for India from Andaman and Nicobar Islands Taiwania, 2012
Elevated sea surface temperature during May 2010 induces mass bleaching of corals in the Andaman Current Science, 2011
Marine resources of islands: Status and approaches for sustainable exploitation/ conservation with special emphasis to Andaman and Nicobar Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2010
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Sustainable coastal mariculture through integrated multi-trophic aquaculture of green mussel (Perna viridis) and silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii) KM Rajesh, S Thomas, SK Ail, KS Dharshan, AP Dineshbabu, ... Aquaculture Reports 48, 103661 , 2026 2026
Defining the critical oocyte diameter range for optimizing spawning success in Black seabream, Acanthopagrus berda: An integrated approach SBP Purayil, MK Gopalan, T Hussain, M Pal, PN Dube, A Vinod, ... Aquaculture Reports 48, 103655 , 2026 2026
Spatiotemporal dynamics of mangrove vegetation greenness (NDVI) and environmental drivers along the Gujarat coast VK Vase, KR Sreenath, T Sebastian, R Kumar, S Rahangdale, ... Wetlands Ecology and Management 34 (3), 36 , 2026 2026
Modelling primary production: multitude of theories, or multitude of languages? J Skákala, S Sathyendranath, Y Artioli, DS Banerjee, H Bouman, ... Ocean Science 22 (3), 1457-1481 , 2026 2026
Insights on phytoplankton and microzooplankton community changes amidst and in the aftermath of harmful dinoflagellate bloom ( Prorocentrum rhathymum ) in the … S Shaji, MP Sreeram, A Peariya, G George, R Ratheeshkumar, AK Raju, ... Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 198 (2), 168 , 2026 2026
First Record of Cassiopea xamachana Ephyrae from the Wild in India, with Insights into its Life History and Development L Ranjith, R Saravanan, KS Sobhana, I Jagadis, S Ramkumar, C Kalidas, ... Regional Studies in Marine Science, 104786 , 2026 2026
Diversifying Landscape of India’s Agri-allied Economy: An Analysis of Output Value Composition and Value Chain Dynamics in the Fisheries Sector VP Preethi, P Shinoj, SJ Kizhakudan, S Thomas, M Muktha, SK Roul, ... Agricultural Economics Research Review, 1-14 , 2026 2026
Comparative analysis of MHC class II A gene in Trachinotus mookalee and Trachinotus blochii: Molecular identification and in silico characterisation L Vincent, S Sukumaran, VG Vysakh, S Wilson, S Ghosh, G George, ... Indian Journal of Fisheries 73 (1), 83-96 , 2026 2026
Survival and behavioural responses of scalloped spiny lobster, Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus, 1758) to salinity shifts RK Raveendran, ST Gopakumar, RK Janardhanan, E Varghese, S KR, ... Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 106, e28 , 2026 2026
ICAR-CMFRI opens doors to fascinating world of marine life on the occasion of its 79th Foundation Day G George ICAR-Website , 2026 2026
Potential of Seaweeds as a Source of Chemicals and Other Useful Products G George, B Johnson Chemical Industry Digest 39 (1), 45-49 , 2026 2026
Modelling primary production: multitude of theories, or multitude of languages? J Skákala, S Sathyendranath, Y Artioli, DS Banerjee, H Bouman, ... EGUsphere 2025, 1-39 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Influence of temperature on early life stages of silver pompano, Trachinotus blochii K Sukumaran, PS Pooja, AP Gop, A Anuraj, GR Bhuvaneswari, ... Trachinotus Blochii , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Water-associated diseases–Monitoring aquatic bodies to ensure community health GG Padinjakara CIRDAP BOOK 2025, 106 , 2025 2025
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Impact of Climate Change and Mitigation Measures GG Padinjakara CIRDAP BOOK 2025, 156 , 2025 2025
Climate change, adaptation pathways, and mitigation measures in coastal Karnataka: socio-ecological perspectives from marine fishing communities R Gills, S Padua, C Ramachandran, S Thomas, KM Rajesh, R Harshitha, ... Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy 91 (4), 1278-1297 , 2025 2025
Impact of Extreme Weather Events and Land use on Leptospira Distribution in Vembanad Lake and Associated Disease Outbreaks in Near Shore Areas A Abdulaziz, S P, N Ashraf, J Chekidhenkuzhiyil, R Rajamohananpillai, ... Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 236 (12), 768 , 2025 2025
Genomic insights into antibiotic-resistant Vibrio species from clinical and coastal environmental sources in India PS Seethalakshmi, A Anas, KD Raj, C Jasmin, N Menon, G George, ... Marine Pollution Bulletin 221, 118496 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Public Health at the Intersection of Climate Change and Faecal Contamination: An Example from the Shores of Vembanad Lake K Krishna, A Anas, N Menon, G George, R Rajamohananpillai, ... Urban Watershed Microbiology, Volume 2: Environmental Indicators, Regional … , 2025 2025
Climate Change as Drivers of Microbial–Algal Interactions and Their Implications G George, AC Stoy, V Gopinath, N Kishore, K Baruah, A Gopalakrishnan, ... Navigating Climate Change: Impacts on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience … , 2025 2025
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Algal biorefinery‐based industry: an approach to address fuel and food insecurity for a carbon‐smart world B Subhadra, G George Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 91 (1), 2-13 , 2011 2011 Citations: 179
Elevated sea surface temperature during May 2010 induces mass bleaching of corals in the Andaman P Krishnan, SD Roy, G George, RC Srivastava, A Anand, S Murugesan, ... Current Science, 111-117 , 2011 2011 Citations: 120
Response of a freshwater air-breathing fish, Clarias batrachus to salinity stress: an experimental case for their farming in brackishwater areas in Andaman, India K Sarma, K Prabakaran, P Krishnan, G Grinson, A Anand Kumar Aquaculture International 21 (1), 183-196 , 2013 2013 Citations: 75
A holistic approach to upwelling and downwelling along the south-west coast of India P Shah, R Sajeev, KJ Thara, G George, M Shafeeque, S Akash, T Platt Marine Geodesy 42 (1), 64-84 , 2019 2019 Citations: 58
Effect of reduced anthropogenic activities on water quality in Lake Vembanad, India G Kulk, G George, A Abdulaziz, N Menon, V Theenathayalan, C Jayaram, ... Remote Sensing 13 (9), 1631 , 2021 2021 Citations: 55
Structure and regeneration status of mangrove patches along the estuarine and coastal stretches of Kerala, India G George, P Krishnan, KG Mini, SS Salim, P Ragavan, SY Tenjing, ... Journal of Forestry Research 30 (2), 507-518 , 2019 2019 Citations: 49
Remotely sensed chlorophyll: a putative trophic link for explaining variability in Indian oil sardine stocks G George, B Meenakumari, M Raman, S Kumar, P Vethamony, MT Babu, ... Journal of Coastal Research 28 (1A), 105-113 , 2012 2012 Citations: 49
Quantifying tropical cyclone's effect on the biogeochemical processes using profiling float observations in the Bay of Bengal MS Girishkumar, VP Thangaprakash, TVS Udaya Bhaskar, K Suprit, ... Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans 124 (3), 1945-1963 , 2019 2019 Citations: 46
Spatio-temporal variability of chlorophyll- a in response to coastal upwelling and mesoscale eddies in the South Eastern Arabian Sea M Shafeeque, AN Balchand, P Shah, G George, S BR, E Varghese, ... International Journal of Remote Sensing 42 (13), 4836-4863 , 2021 2021 Citations: 43
Citizen scientists contribute to real-time monitoring of lake water quality using 3D printed mini Secchi disks G George, NN Menon, A Abdulaziz, RJW Brewin, P Pranav, ... Frontiers in Water 3, 662142 , 2021 2021 Citations: 43
Marine resources of islands: status and approaches for sustainable exploitation/conservation with special emphasis to Andaman and Nicobar S Dam Roy, G George Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 80 (4), 57-62 , 2010 2010 Citations: 41
Environmental Reservoirs of Vibrio cholerae : Challenges and Opportunities for Ocean-Color Remote Sensing MF Racault, A Abdulaziz, G George, N Menon, J C, M Punathil, ... Remote Sensing 11 (23), 2763 , 2019 2019 Citations: 40
Fish larval transport in a macro-tidal regime: Gulf of Kachchh, west coast of India G George, P Vethamony, K Sudheesh, MT Babu Fisheries research 110 (1), 160-169 , 2011 2011 Citations: 40
Dam Roy P Krishnan S., George, G., Srivastava, RC, Anand, A., Murugesan, S., Kaliyamoorthy, M … , 2010 2010 Citations: 40
Enigmatic Indian oil sardine: An insight P Rohit, M Sivadas, EM Abdussamad, A Margaret Muthu Rathinam, ... ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute , 2018 2018 Citations: 36
Effect of Precipitation on Chlorophyll- a in an Upwelling Dominated Region Along the West Coast of India M Shafeeque, P Shah, T Platt, S Sathyendranath, NN Menon, ... Journal of Coastal Research 86 (SI), 218-224 , 2019 2019 Citations: 35
Citizen science tools reveal changes in estuarine water quality following demolition of buildings N Menon, G George, R Ranith, V Sajin, S Murali, A Abdulaziz, ... Remote Sensing 13 (9), 1683 , 2021 2021 Citations: 33
Dynamics of Vibrio cholerae in a Typical Tropical Lake and Estuarine System: Potential of Remote Sensing for Risk Mapping A Anas, K Krishna, S Vijayakumar, G George, N Menon, G Kulk, ... Remote Sensing 13 (5), 1034 , 2021 2021 Citations: 33
The influence of mesoscale eddies on a commercial fishery in the coastalwaters of the Andaman and NicobarIslands, India A Arur, P Krishnan, G George, MP GouthamBharathi, M Kaliyamoorthy, ... International Journal of Remote Sensing 35 (17), 6418-6443 , 2014 2014 Citations: 33
Mangroves of Andaman and Nicobar islands S Dam Roy, P Krishnan, G George, M Kaliyamoorthy, ... CARI, Port Blair , 2009 2009 Citations: 32