ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, September 22, 2026: Pakistan plans to establish a 100-acre Mariculture Investment and Development Estate at Karachi’s Korangi Fisheries Harbour, bringing marine farming, hatcheries, research, seafood processing and cold-chain facilities together under a single development framework.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry unveiled the proposed project during a briefing on the initiative, saying it was designed to attract investment, boost seafood exports, create jobs and introduce modern technology into Pakistan’s blue economy.
Under the concept master plan, the Mariculture Investment and Development Estate (MIDE) would be developed at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KoFHA) and serve as an integrated hub for mariculture and aquaculture activities.
“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,” Chaudhry said.
The proposed estate would include four principal zones: a 30-acre mariculture zone, 20-acre hatchery zone, 20-acre aqua research park and 20-acre commercial district.
The remaining space would support shared infrastructure and facilities across the estate, including seafood processing, cold-chain operations, commercial and hospitality facilities, sustainable infrastructure and green spaces.
The hatchery zone is planned to support advanced aquatic seed production, while the research park would provide facilities for scientific research, innovation and professional training.
Mariculture involves farming marine species such as fish, shrimp, oysters, mussels and seaweed in coastal and marine environments. Developing the sector commercially could help Pakistan diversify its fisheries industry beyond conventional fishing while increasing the value of seafood production.
Chaudhry said investment in modern marine infrastructure and technology was essential for developing a sustainable blue economy and opening new economic opportunities for coastal communities.
The proposed estate would also feature an internal road network, power and renewable-energy facilities, water supply and treatment systems, wastewater treatment infrastructure, information and communication technology and smart-estate management systems.
Security and surveillance infrastructure, green belts and landscaping are also included in the concept plan.
The project is envisaged within the institutional setting of the National Deep Sea Fishing Harbour at KoFHA in Karachi.
The government expects the integrated model to connect marine production with research, processing and commercial services, potentially allowing seafood and other marine products to move through a more organised value chain from cultivation to processing and export.
If developed as proposed, the estate would form part of Pakistan’s broader push to expand its blue economy by improving fisheries infrastructure, promoting value-added marine products and attracting private investment into coastal industries.