Mukesh Bhendarkar

Biography:

Mukesh Bhendarkar began his fisheries journey with a Bachelor's degree from the Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Science University, followed by a Master's degree in Fisheries Resource Management from Dr. BSKKV, India. He then embarked on a professional journey, starting as a Lecturer for Freshwater Fisheries at VNJC, Maharashtra  and later worked as a Fisheries Project Consultant for the Adani Foundation in Gujarat. Transitioning into governmental roles, he assumed the position of Assistant Fisheries Development Officer for the Government of Maharashtra, where his responsibilities encompassed diverse areas from fish breeding initiatives to socio-economic activities involving fishermen. Subsequently, he transitioned into the research domain, assuming the role of Scientist at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture in Odisha. Presently, he is serving at ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management in Maharashtra, with a specific focus on addressing challenges associated with abiotic stressors in fisheries and aquaculture. Concurrently, he is pursuing his PhD at AZTI, Spain, concentrating on innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) applications in fisheries ecology.