Govt plans 100-Acre mariculture estate at Korangi Fisheries Harbour

September 22, 2026 (MLN): The government is set to establish a 100-acre Mariculture Investment and Development Estate (MIDE) at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KoFHA).

This would integrate mariculture and aquaculture operations with hatcheries, research and innovation, processing, value addition, cold-chain facilities and commercial services under a single development framework, with officials describing the project as a step towards higher-value fisheries production and an export-oriented blue economy.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry outlined the plan while addressing a briefing session on the proposed project, where he said the initiative was aimed at attracting investment, increasing exports, generating employment and promoting technology and innovation as part of the country's blue economy, said a press release issued.

Mariculture ecosystem operations involve the management and functioning of marine farming systems within coastal and ocean environments, covering the cultivation of marine organisms such as fish, shrimp, oysters, mussels and seaweed while managing their interaction with the surrounding ecosystem.

According to the concept master plan, the estate would comprise four principal zones: a 30-acre mariculture zone, a 20-acre hatchery zone, a 20-acre aqua research park and a 20-acre commercial district.

The minister said the development of a modern mariculture ecosystem could help Pakistan move towards higher-value fisheries production, strengthen aquatic seed production and promote value addition and export-oriented activities. He added that the hatchery zone would support advanced aquatic seed production, while the research park would provide facilities for research, innovation and training.

The estate would also feature processing and cold-chain infrastructure, commercial and hospitality facilities, and sustainable infrastructure with green spaces.

Planned infrastructure includes 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, and green belts and landscaping.

Junaid Chaudhry said investing in modern marine infrastructure and technology was essential for building a sustainable blue economy and creating new economic opportunities for coastal communities.

The concept plan identifies the National Deep Sea Fishing Harbour, KoFHA as the institutional setting for the proposed development.

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