Profile

Dr. Mrityunjoy Kunda is a fisheries scientist and academic leader with 31 years of experience in fisheries management, research, education, and global collaboration. His extensive career spans roles as a professor, researcher, advisor and administrator, significantly contributing to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector across Asia, Africa, and beyond. Dr. Kunda began his career with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Bangladesh, serving as a Fisheries Officer in Rajshahi, where he organized and implemented open water fisheries management programs, including training and extension services. His expertise grew as he took on key positions, including Fishery Extension Officer, Manager of a Fish Seed Multiplication Farm, and District Fishery Officer (In-charge). As the District Fishery Officer in Barguna, he spearheaded fisheries sector development, supporting policy implementation and local capacity-building in the district. These roles provided him with extensive experience, laying the foundation for his career in fisheries science and management. As a Professor in the Department of Aquatic Resource Management at Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh, Dr. Kunda has played a pivotal role in advancing fisheries education and research. He has also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, during which he led transformative initiatives that elevated the faculty to the highest-ranking institution in aquatic sciences and fisheries research in Bangladesh. His leadership extended to serving as Chairman of the Department, University Syndicate Member, President of the university’s Teachers’ Council, Proctor of the university, Provost of a student’s dormitory and more, demonstrating his broad administrative expertise. Dr. Kunda has successfully led 15 research projects, all as Principal Investigator, funded by prestigious global institutions such as the World Bank, USAID, the International Foundation for Science (IFS), the Government of Bangladesh, and other agencies. His research has focused on aquatic ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation, promotion of small indigenous fish species, aquatic pollution, cage aquaculture, rice-fish culture systems, pond aquaculture, livelihood of fishers’ communities and similar fields with findings of his 107 research works published in national and international journals along with 8 books and book chapters. Additionally, he has presented 19 scientific papers at global conferences and attended 92 impactful seminars and workshops. His global impact is demonstrated through his role as a Scientist at WorldFish’s South Asia Office, where he led initiatives to improve broodstock management and hatchery practices, ensuring high-quality carp seed production in Bangladesh. These efforts strengthened linkages among value chain actors and user groups. He has provided technical expertise in Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, India, and Sierra Leone for promoting small indigenous fish species, rice-fish culture systems, and sustainable fisheries development, among other areas. His consultancy experience has further enhanced his ability to adapt and implement fisheries strategies across varied socio-economic and ecological contexts. Beyond academia, as Vice President of the Central Committee and Regional President of Sylhet for the Bangladesh Biology Olympiad (affiliated with the International Biology Olympiad), he expanded the competition’s global reach while fostering scientific curiosity among students nationwide. He also led Sylhet Agricultural University’s 2050 Masterplan Development Project as its President, driving long-term strategic vision through campus expansion and infrastructure upgrades to elevate the institution as an internationally recognized educational hub. Dr. Kunda’s commitment to capacity building is reflected in his supervision of 79 MS students and 5 PhD students, as well as his role in organizing five international conferences on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, creating a platform for global knowledge exchange and best practices. His extensive experience in academic administration, research leadership, and international consultancy makes him a highly respected figure in the field of fisheries science and education.