Emerging Researcher Dr. Midhun Shah Hussain :)

One of the major questions we have asked ourselves during the estimation of fishery potential yield (trophodynamics approach) from the marine ecosystems of India was the incorporation of subsurface Chlorophyll-a (chl) maxima in primary productivity models. Remote sensing/Satellite -based production models estimate vertical profiles with depth-related attenuation, whereas the real in-situ measured chl mostly appears with single or double peaks, which is generally known as subsurface or deep chl maxima.

When Midhun was asked to attend to this issue for the North Eastern Arabian Sea, we were not sure to what extent the issue can be addressed, or whether to attempt it based on statistical models. However, the complexity of the ecosystem processes and the biological response to the climate change impacts made us delve into it. We have addressed the dynamics of the recurring and intensifying HABs (algal blooms) and the warming/stratification impacts along with an attempt to develop numerical expressions and a predictive capability for the system.

Hearty Congratulations Dr. Midhun Shah Hussain for your Doctorate, you have pulled out the best of your capability in explaining these complex issues. However, this is only the beginning and you built a strong basement, yet a long journey ahead, I am fully confident that you will be a twinkling star in the emerging field of bio-physical coupling!!!

Such attempts have to be carried out for other ecosystems in the South Eastern Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Andaman waters, still to unravel several questions that are needed for a reliable ecosystem assessment. Hope young researchers from other parts of the country will join this journey to attain the goal.