Screening and Characterization of Marine Seaweeds and its Antimicrobial Potential against Fish Pathogens

Abstract

Bacterial diseases are responsible for heavy mortality in wild and cultured fish. The problems in the farms are usually tackled by preventing disease outbreaks or by treating the actual disease with drugs or chemicals. The use of antimicrobial agents has increased significantly in aquaculture practices. In the present study, the seaweed samples were tested against wide range of fresh water fish pathogens. It is well documented that all the five seaweed samples were effective against fish pathogens.It is documented that, the present study is initiated to explore the bioactive potential of major seaweeds infested along Gulf of Mannar as a potential source of marine bioprospecting in future. This study aims to pave way for the identification of new bioactive compounds for treating the dreadful diseases and thereby help to reduce the multidrug resistant organisms.