Dr. Muhammad Akmal is a researcher in Fisheries and Aquaculture, specializing in sustainable aquaculture practices and aquatic animal health. He completed his BS (Hons.) and M.Phil. in Fisheries and Aquaculture from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Pakistan. Additionally, he completed a three-month specialized training in aquaculture, with a focus on shrimp processing technology, at Huazhong Agricultural University, China.

With the support of the KOICA Fellowship, he pursued a Master’s degree in Fisheries Science at Pukyong National University, South Korea, where his research focused on eco-friendly strategies for managing fish diseases. He later received the MEXT Scholarship and earned his Ph.D. in Marine Biological Sciences from the University of Miyazaki, Japan, where he explored the use of bacteriophages as natural alternatives to antibiotics in aquaculture.

His research interests include fish health management, disease diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance, and the development of sustainable treatment strategies such as phage therapy. During his Ph.D., he investigated bacteriophages targeting Lactococcus garvieae, a significant fish pathogen. His earlier work in South Korea focused on controlling Aeromonas hydrophila infections in aquaculture systems.

Dr. Akmal has contributed to peer-reviewed research on fish pathogens, microbial genomics, and responsible aquaculture practices, supporting global initiatives such as food security (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), and life below water (SDG 14). He has presented his research at scientific conferences in Japan, South Korea, and Pakistan, engaging with the international research community.

As part of an FAO project, he contributed to Pakistan’s first baseline assessment of aquaculture, collaborating with experts to identify challenges and opportunities for sustainable sector development. He remains grateful for the academic and professional opportunities provided by KOICA and MEXT and is committed to advancing applied research, teaching, and promoting sustainable aquaculture through improved disease management, biosecurity, and environmentally responsible practices.