Velvizhi S

Dr. S. Velvizhi, holding a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Oceanography, has dedicated 22 years to small-scale fisheries development. Since 2002, she has worked with marine fishing communities along India's South East and West coast, focusing on marine biodiversity conservation, livelihood development and climate change adaptation. Dr. Velvizhi was pivotal in creating the PAN INDIA Fisher Friend Mobile Application and has been offering marine fishery advisory services since 2009. She supports women collectives in enhancing fish production and commercialization. As a lead member of FisherWomen Connect Challenge initiative, she improves post-harvest fisheries value chains with ICT solutions. Dr. Velvizhi has conducted over 212 on-sea research/training trials and promotes participatory fishery resource management methods among fishing communities. She has completed more than 17 research projects, traveled to nine countries, and received numerous awards, including the Dr. Ambedkar Award (2010) and Women in STEM (Research Category) Award (2023). Currently, she is the Area Director of the Coastal Resources and Fisheries Programme at M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation.