Dr. Akhila Kumaran is a Project Associate at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi, specializing in fisheries governance, climate resilience, community adaptation, and inclusive development. She completed her Ph.D. in Inclusive Development and Social Justice from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, focusing on the political economy of fisheries governance in Kerala, India. Her research expertise includes mixed-methods research, stakeholder engagement, marine fisheries policy, and community-led resource management. Dr. Kumaran has worked on several national and international research projects related to marine fisheries, Covid-19 adaptation strategies, and Bay of Bengal fishery management regimes involving India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. She has presented her research at international conferences, published in academic and policy platforms, and received fellowships including the Smitu Kothari Fellowship and Youth Ki Awaaz–Internews Media Fellowship. Her current work focuses on climate resilience and adaptation strategies in marine fishing communities.

From Crisis to Continuity: Community-Led Resource Management and climate adaptation strategies in marine fisheries sector in Kerala, India