Pakistan Plans 100-Acre Mariculture Investment Estate to Boost Aquaculture and Fisheries Exports
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has outlined a plan to establish a 100-acre Mariculture Investment and Development Estate (MIDE) at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KoFHA), with a focus on aquaculture investment, fisheries exports, marine infrastructure, value addition and blue economy development.
Addressing a briefing session on the proposed project, the minister said the estate would bring mariculture and aquaculture operations, hatcheries, research and innovation, processing, value addition, cold-chain facilities and commercial services together under a single development framework.
Four-Zone Mariculture Development Plan
According to the concept master plan, the proposed estate would comprise four principal zones:
- 30-acre mariculture zone
- 20-acre hatchery zone
- 20-acre aqua research park
- 20-acre commercial district
“The development of a modern mariculture ecosystem can help Pakistan move towards higher-value fisheries production, strengthen aquatic seed production and promote value addition and export-oriented activities,” Junaid Chaudhry said.
The hatchery zone would support advanced aquatic seed production, while the aqua research park would provide facilities for research, innovation and training.
The estate would also include processing and cold-chain infrastructure, commercial and hospitality facilities, sustainable infrastructure and green spaces.
Smart Marine Infrastructure and Renewable Energy
The proposed infrastructure would include an internal road network, power and renewable-energy facilities, water supply and treatment systems, wastewater treatment, information and communication technology, smart-estate management, security and surveillance.
The development would also feature green belts and landscaping as part of its planned infrastructure.
Investment, Exports and Blue Economy
Junaid Chaudhry said the initiative was aimed at attracting investment, increasing exports, generating employment and promoting technology and innovation as part of Pakistan’s blue economy.
“Investing in modern marine infrastructure and technology is essential for building a sustainable blue economy and creating new economic opportunities for coastal communities,” he said.
What is a Mariculture Ecosystem?
Mariculture ecosystem operations involve the management and functioning of marine farming systems within coastal and ocean environments. They involve cultivating marine organisms such as fish, shrimp, oysters, mussels and seaweed while managing their interaction with the surrounding ecosystem.
Institutional Setting
The concept plan identifies the National Deep Sea Fishing Harbour and KoFHA as the institutional setting for the proposed development.
Strategic Outlook
The proposed MIDE combines marine production, aquatic seed development, research, processing, cold-chain infrastructure and commercial services within one planned estate. Its stated objectives include supporting higher-value fisheries production, strengthening aquatic seed production, promoting value addition and expanding export-oriented activities.
The project also places modern marine infrastructure, renewable energy, technology and investment within the broader framework of Pakistan’s blue economy.
