Dr J. K. Jena, with 25 years of research experience in different fields of freshwater aquaculture and conservation genetics, at present is holding the position of Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, India. Prior to this, he served as the Director of the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, India for over five years. Working in different aspects of freshwater aquaculture at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, India during his initial career in different capacities, including as National Fellow and Head of the Division, Dr. Jena has contributed to the development of several technologies and research findings, including breeding, seed production and farming of diversified carp species; multiple cropping of carps; intensive carp culture; treatment of domestic sewage through aquaculture; cryopreservation of fish milt; and applied nutrition. He has operated over 20 research projects, including 10 externally-funded projects as Principal Investigator. As National Coordinator, presently he is operating the National Aquatic Animal Disease Surveillance Programme in India with involvement of 25 partner organizations.

Research interests are fisheries policy, fisheries legislation, fisheries management, and international law of fisheries and the law of the sea.