Dr. J.K. Patterson Edward, Ph.D. has been Director at Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin (from Sep. 1999); obtained Masters Degree in Zoology from Madurai Kamaraj University (India) in 1983 and Doctorate degree in Marine Biology from Annamalai University (India) in 1989. He has 35 years of research experience and has published over 120 research articles in reputed international and national journals. His area of specialization includes Integrated Coastal Zone Management; Coastal Ecosystem Rehabilitation (Coral reef and Seagrass Rehabilitation & Artificial Reefs); expertise in the study of the Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs and Fisheries; Marine Environmental Assessment (EIA), Monitoring and Reporting; Environmental Program Planning and Coordination; Coastal Protection, Conservation and management; and Marine Biodiversity Survey, Assessment , Monitoring and Reporting.