Arundathi M S is an Assistant Professor of Maritime Law at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad. Her teaching and research focus on maritime law, public international law, ocean governance, and marine environmental protection. Her academic interests include contemporary legal and regulatory developments affecting the use, management, and conservation of the marine environment.
She has experience spanning academia, government-related legal and policy work, and legal practice. In her role as Legal Consultant with the Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, she has contributed to legislative and policy proposals concerning shipping, maritime administration, and fisheries governance, including work relating to sustainable fisheries in the high seas and the Exclusive Economic Zone. She has also undertaken research concerning the BBNJ and the sustainable use of marine biodiversity.
Previously, she served as a Teaching and Research Associate at Gujarat Maritime University, where she taught Maritime Law, Law of the Sea, Marine Environmental Law, Carriage of Goods by Sea, and Research Methodology. She has participated in and contributed to academic conferences, research publications, and professional initiatives concerning maritime security, ocean governance, fisheries governance, autonomous shipping, climate change, and marine sustainability.
She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Law at Gujarat National Law University, with a research focus on legal frameworks for marine environmental protection and sustainable ocean governance.
Education
October 2024 – Present — Ph.D. in Law, Gujarat National Law University, Gujarat
August 2022 — LL.M. with Specialization in Maritime Law, Gujarat Maritime University, Gujarat
October 2020 — B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), Calicut University, Kerala
Select Publications
“From Open Seas to Regulated Commons: The History of International Fisheries Law and Strategies to Battle Unregulated Fishing.” In Maritime Law in a Changing World: Prospects & Challenges, Directorate of Public Relations and Publication, CUSAT.
“Regulatory Developments Concerning Autonomous Shipping: Navigating Innovation, Risk and Governance in Contemporary Ocean Law.” Conference publication, 2025.
“Small Island Developing States, Climate Change and International Ocean Governance: Emerging Legal Challenges and Responses.” Conference publication, 2025.
“Equitable Benefit Sharing in ABNJ under the BBNJ Agreement.” 27th International Seminar on the Common Heritage of Mankind, Kerala Law Academy, November 2025.
“From UNCLOS to Climate-Conscious Fisheries Governance: Enforcement, Compliance Mechanisms & Dispute Resolution in the Era of IUU Fishing.” Nehru Academy of Law International Maritime Conference (NALIMC), 2025.