Prof. S. Felix

Biography

Prof. Antherias Suga Felix, M.F.Sc., Ph.D., FAO–ICC (Biotechnology), Texas A&M University, USA, is an internationally acclaimed fisheries educationist, aquaculture technologist, academic administrator, and institution builder with over 44 years of distinguished experience in fisheries education, aquaculture research, biotechnology, innovation, and higher education leadership.
Born on 30 July 1960 in Puthenthurai, a coastal village in Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, Prof. Felix developed a passion for science and learning from an early age. He completed his schooling at the Government Higher Secondary School, M.K. Pottal, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fisheries Science from the Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi, in 1981. After beginning his professional career in India’s pioneering shrimp aquaculture industry, he pursued his Master of Fisheries Science (Aquaculture) and later earned a Ph.D. in Fisheries Science. In 2000, he received advanced international training in Aquaculture Biotechnology through an FAO Fellowship at Texas A&M University, USA.
Throughout his remarkable career, Prof. Felix has held several prestigious academic and administrative positions, including Professor, Director, Dean, and Vice Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (2017–2020). He currently serves as the Dean and Senior Advisor at the St. Devasahayam Institute of Fisheries Science and Technology (DIFST), Kanyakumari, while continuing to mentor students, guide faculty, and promote excellence in fisheries education and sustainable aquaculture.
An internationally recognised leader in aquaculture, Prof. Felix has been instrumental in transforming fisheries education and research in India. He introduced numerous undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and paraprofessional academic programmes, established fisheries colleges, specialised institutes, biotechnology centres, research farms, and advanced training facilities, and strengthened university–industry partnerships. His pioneering work in raceway aquaculture, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), biofloc technology, ornamental fisheries, shrimp farming, and aquatic biotechnology has significantly advanced modern aquaculture practices.
Prof. Felix has mobilised over ₹6,735 lakh in research and development funding, organised 88 international and national conferences, workshops, and training programmes, and published 195 research papers, 35 books and manuals, and 10 patents, while developing numerous aquaculture technologies that have benefitted researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and fish farmers.
His leadership extended beyond India through his service as President of the World Aquaculture Society – Asian Pacific Chapter (2018–2019), becoming the first Indian to hold this prestigious position. He successfully organised the internationally acclaimed Asian Pacific Aquaculture (APA) 2019 Conference in Chennai, bringing together thousands of delegates from more than seventy countries and showcasing India’s leadership in global aquaculture.
Prof. Felix has travelled extensively across the United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, promoting international collaboration in fisheries science, aquaculture technology, education, and research.
Beyond academia, he is the Founder President of the Aquaculture Technology & Research Foundation India (AQUAFIN), dedicated to empowering fish farmers, promoting entrepreneurship, advancing sustainable aquaculture technologies, conserving aquatic resources, and strengthening fisheries-based livelihoods across India.
Widely respected as a visionary academic leader, institution builder, researcher, mentor, and technologist, Prof. S. Felix continues to inspire future generations through his unwavering commitment to innovation, quality education, sustainable fisheries, and community development. His lifelong contributions have earned him numerous national and international recognitions, including the Padmashree Prof. Dr. N. Balakrishnan Nair Environmental Excellence Award, affirming his lasting impact on fisheries education and aquaculture development in India and beyond.