Sangeetha U

Programme Associate – Sustainable Fisheries and Livelihoods

Qualifications:

Master of Fisheries Science (M.F.Sc.), ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (2020-2022)

Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.), Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu (2016-2020)

Profile: Sangeetha’s interest in the ocean began during her childhood visits to Besant Nagar beach, where she was mesmerised by the power of the crashing waves and fascinated by the flora and fauna of marine life. These early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for marine ecosystems, eventually leading her to pursue a career dedicated to studying fish and fisheries. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, where her interest in fisheries science deepened. Building on this foundation, she pursued a Master’s degree at ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, specialising in Fisheries Extension. This allowed her to merge her love for marine ecosystems with a commitment to improving the wellbeing of coastal communities. Her academic journey reinforced her dedication to sustainable livelihood development, particularly among fisherfolk, and inspired her to focus on community-driven initiatives.

In her previous role as a Training Coordinator at MSSRF, Sangeetha played a key role in empowering fisherwomen in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. She led hands-on training sessions on dry fish production, value-added products, and employed ICT innovations to bridge the gender digital divide. She also worked on reducing the environmental impact of ghost gear in marine ecosystems and conducted value chain assessments. This role helped her further develop skills in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and sustainable fisheries management.

Outside of work, Sangeetha enjoys traveling, exploring different cuisines, and seeking out adventure. She currently works as a Programme Associate with the Sustainable Fisheries and Livelihoods team at Dakshin, where she continues her efforts to support sustainable fisheries and improve livelihoods for coastal communities.

Publications:

Blog articles:

Velvizhi, S., & Sangeetha, U. (2023, October 26). Making cyber safety a priority for fisherwomen in Tamil Nadu. M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation.