Three faculty members of Annamalai University's Department of Advanced Study in Marine Biology have been awarded ₹3.4 crore by the Ministry of Earth Sciences under the Deep Ocean Mission. This funding supports research on marine biodiversity, taxonomy, biomedical studies, deep sea viruses, and aquatic health. Associate Professor P. Murugesan received ₹1.75 crore to study deep-sea polychaetes, identify new species, and provide data for benthologists. Associate Professor M. Arumugam was granted ₹85 lakh to develop a microbial metabolites library from deep-sea organisms for potential societal benefits. Assistant Professor A. Gopalakrishnan secured ₹80 lakh to research pathogenic and zoonotic viruses and microsporideans in deep-sea and coastal waters of India, focusing on viral strains harmful to fish and shellfish. A university official said the funding will boost impactful scientific research and technological progress at the university.