Department of Fisheries, University of Jaffna

14/10/2025

🎉🏅 Heartfelt Congratulations to Head of the Department! 🎓

We are proud to share that our Department Head, Dr. S. Sutharshini from the Department of Fisheries, University of Jaffna, has been awarded the Gold Medal for her PhD under the Board of Study in Multidisciplinary Studies at the 51st General Convocation of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

This remarkable achievement is a true testament to her dedication, hard work, and academic excellence. 🌟

On behalf of the Department of Fisheries, University of Jaffna, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes for continued success in all your future endeavors. May this milestone inspire many more accomplishments! 🙌💐

👏 Congratulations once again, Dr. Sutharshini Madam! You make us proud! 🎉

14/10/2025

🎉 A big congratulations to Harichandra Khalingarajah, Technical Officer at the Department of Fisheries (currently on study leave for his M.Sc. at INTI International University, Malaysia), and our alumna Ms. Thakshini Harichandra, MBA student at INTI, for winning the Innovation Award at the 10th International Invention Innovation Competition (iCAN 2025) in Toronto, Canada! 🏆

Their outstanding work in biotechnology, bioinformatics, IoT, environmental studies, and business administration makes us extremely proud. 🌟

Keep inspiring and making a global impact!

04/09/2025

📢 Department Achievement Announcement

We are proud to announce that our alumna, Ms. Don Henry Jayani Madhushika Amarasinghe, has been awarded the prestigious Full Scholarship – ERASMUS MUNDUS JOINT MASTER IN AQUACULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY (EMJM ACES-STAR).

📌 Study Pathway under the Scholarship

🎓 Semester One (25 Aug 2025 – 20 Feb 2026): University of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland

🎓 Semester Two (21 Feb 2026 – 31 Aug 2026): University of Crete, Greece

🎓 Semester Three (01 Sep 2026 – 28 Feb 2027): Nantes University, France

🎓 Semester Four (01 Mar 2027 – 24 Aug 2027): Research dissertation in Scotland, Greece, France, or with an affiliated partner

✨ This outstanding achievement highlights her dedication and excellence while bringing great pride to our Department.

🌊 We extend our best wishes for her continued success in her academic and professional journey.

28/08/2025

Congratulations to Dr.Ragavan Nadarajah on Successfully Defending His Doctoral Thesis (PhD)😍🎊🥳👏

We are proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement by our colleague, Ragavan Nadarajah, who has successfully defended his PhD dissertation at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. His research was conducted under the supervision of Professor Chamari Dissanayake and Senior Professor Sivashantini Kuganathan.

Ragavan's dissertation focused on the population dynamics of shrimp fisheries in the Jaffna Lagoon, where he conducted cross-cutting research on ecological and socio-economic dimensions of the fishery. His work is especially significant for contributing to the sustainable management of this highly valuable and in-demand species, particularly in the context of data-limited fisheries.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations on this important milestone and admire the dedication throughout this journey. Well done, Dr. Ragavan, and keep going 🎓👨‍🎓

31/07/2025

Wishing Mrs.Janany Roshanth all the best in her new role

Today, Mrs. Janany Roshanth, Management Assistant at the Department of Fisheries, University of Jaffna, concludes her service at the department and takes up duties at the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Since joining our Department of Fisheries, University of Jaffna, Mrs. Janani has consistently demonstrated commitment, efficiency, and professionalism in her work. Her contributions have supported the smooth functioning of the department and have been appreciated by both staff and students.

We extend our best wishes to Mrs. Janany as she embarks on this new chapter of her career. May this next step bring her continued success and fulfillment.

Thank you, Mrs. Janany, for your service and support. You will be missed by all of us.

23/06/2025

🚢 Microplastic Spill from MSC ELSA-3: University of Jaffna Responds to Coastal Crisis in Northern Sri Lanka 🧴🌊

🌊Following the capsizing of the container vessel MSC ELSA-3 off the coast of Kerala in late May, virgin microplastic pellets believed to have originated from the shipwreck have begun washing ashore along Sri Lanka’s northern coastline, including Mannar and Jaffna. Reports from local communities and government officials have raised urgent concerns over the environmental and socio-economic impacts of this transboundary pollution event.

🏛As a leading academic institution located at the heart of the affected region, the Department of Fisheries, University of Jaffna, recognizes its scientific and social responsibility to support evidence-based responses to emerging marine environmental threats.

🔬 On last Friday, a specialized team from our department conducted a coastal field investigation to assess the spread and impact of these virgin microplastic pellets in the Jaffna region.

👨‍🔬👩‍🔬 The investigation was led by Dr. K. Gunaalan and Ms. Shobiya Gobiraj, distinguished experts in microplastic pollution and toxicology, who focused on analyzing the spread patterns and toxicological risks associated with these pellets along the northern coastline.

🌍 The study also included Dr. Lloyd Chrispin C, Visiting Professor under the BIMSTEC-INDIA MARINE RESEARCH NETWORK (BiMReN) project funded by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BoBP), and Mr. N. Ragavan, Co-Investigator of the BiMReN initiative. Their role centered on evaluating the distribution of microplastic contamination across the Palk Bay region and its cascading effects on the livelihoods of coastal fishers, particularly those who rely on artisanal fisheries for subsistence.

🛟 During the visit, the team observed and acknowledged the commendable efforts of the Sri Lanka Navy and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), who are actively involved in removing the spilled pellets along vulnerable beach stretches in the North.

🧫 Sample pellets were collected from several locations for further toxicological and chemical analysis, which will contribute to a broader scientific understanding of this spill’s implications for marine life and human health.

20/06/2025

📢 Department of Fisheries, University of Jaffna – Institutional Partner in Advancing Sustainable Sea Cucumber Fishery Management

The Department of Fisheries, University of Jaffna, is privileged to serve as an institutional partner in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project (2023–2028), coordinated by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BoBP-IGO) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).

In alignment with national priorities identified during the consultation convened by NARA in January 2024, the Sea Cucumber Fishery in the Mannar–Kilinochchi–Jaffna coastal region has been selected as a priority Fishery Management Unit (FMU) to pilot the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM).

As part of the project implementation, a consultative visit was carried out from 14th to 16th May 2025 by BOBP-IGO representatives Dr. E. Vivekanandan (International Consultant) and Dr. Velumani (Project Scientist), accompanied by academic staff and research personnel from the University. The team visited sea cucumber farms, processing units, and stakeholder sites to assess the current status and challenges of the fishery.

A regional stakeholder consultation was held on 16th May 2025 under the chairmanship of Professor S. Kuganathan, bringing together representatives from DFAR, NAQDA, NARA, CCD, local universities, seafood exporters, NGOs, and community-based organizations. Key action points included the identification of nursery areas, the introduction of spatial fishing controls, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for sea cucumber fishery management.

In addition, a Training of Trainers programme on EAFM was successfully completed by four representatives from the University: Mr. N. Ragavan, Mrs. S. Gobiraj, Mr. S. Arthiyan, and Miss Y. Jinthusha. Their participation strengthens the University’s capacity to contribute to policy development, training, and sustainable resource governance.

14/06/2025

🎉 Proud Moment for the University of Jaffna – Department of Fisheries! 🎉

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our esteemed academics who have earned top ranks in the Fisheries theme under the Agriculture subject in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, as recognized by the AD Scientific Index:

📌 Senior Professor (Chair) Dr. Sivashanthini Kuganathan
🏅 Ranked 6th in Sri Lanka
🌊 Renowned for her expertise in fish biology, stock assessment, and aquaculture

📌 Dr. (Mrs.) Sutharshini Sathyaruban – Head of Department
🏅 Ranked 23rd in Sri Lanka
🦐 Actively contributing in fisheries science

📌 Late Dr. K. Chitravadivelu
🏅 Ranked 36th in Sri Lanka
🐟 Remembered for his contributions in fish growth studies, species composition, and aquaculture development

👏 Your dedication, research, and academic excellence continue to inspire students, researchers, and the wider community.

Let us celebrate their accomplishments and take pride in the excellence of fisheries science at the University of Jaffna! 🌊📚

Souce: https://www.adscientificindex.com/top-100-scientist/?tit_sub=Agriculture+%26+Forestry+%2F+Fisheries&con=Asia&country_code=lk&tit=Agriculture+%26+Forestry&fbclid=IwY2xjawK30EJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqXgsVpcIUfZc32Qc3k3X53oAddOQtmeDf3V4NabKF9bn9TTpz9NXVMxGOIU_aem_Rn6uZY5P0X9trhqJnqra4Q&sfnsn=wa

18 institutions and 60 scientists across 1 countries in 13 major academic fields and 220 disciplines.

08/06/2025

🌊🌍 World Ocean Day 2025 🌍🌊
Theme: "Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate"

The ocean covers over 70% of our planet — it gives us life, regulates our climate, and supports countless species, including us. 🌱🐠

On this Ocean Day, the Fisheries Science Society – University of Jaffna proudly joins the global voice to protect and restore our blue planet. Let's raise awareness, take action, and inspire change — for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient ocean.

🔹 Reduce plastic pollution
🔹 Support sustainable fishing
🔹 Respect marine life
🔹 Be the change the ocean needs

📅 June 8, 2025
📍 Join us in celebrating, sharing knowledge, and taking steps to protect the lifeblood of our planet.

“The ocean is not just a body of water — it’s the heartbeat of our planet. Protect it today, for a better tomorrow.”

14/03/2025

🌟 Heartfelt Congratulations!🌟

We are proud to share that our Head, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Sathyaruban , and Senior Prof. (Mrs.) S. Kuganathan have been honored with the 'Trailblazing Women Leaders: Shaping the Future of Academia' award! 🎉

This prestigious recognition was presented at the International Women’s Day Celebration on March 12, 2025, at the Hoover Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, organized by the Center for Gender Equality and Equity (CGEE), University of Jaffna.

On behalf of the Department and students, we extend our warmest congratulations to both of them for their outstanding contributions, leadership, and dedication to academia. Their achievements continue to inspire us all! 💐👏

16/02/2025