Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced the establishment of a fisheries and aquaculture research and training centre at the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority as part of a broader push to modernise Pakistan’s underdeveloped blue economy sector.
According to an official statement, the proposed 10-acre facility aims to upgrade a sector that currently contributes less than 0.5 percent to GDP, despite what officials describe as significant untapped potential.
The minister said the initiative could serve as a catalyst for high-impact growth, adding that, if implemented effectively, it could help transform fisheries into a multi-billion-dollar industry and become a model hub for modern aquaculture development.
The centre is designed as a comprehensive “Aqua Ecosystem,” covering the entire fisheries value chain from catching and farming to landing, auctioning, processing, packaging, monitoring, and export. It will also include hatcheries, aquaculture trials, quality testing laboratories, training programmes, and technology demonstration units.
Officials said the facility will focus on research-led improvements in feed efficiency, disease control, breeding, and production yields, targeting fisherfolk, farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and industry stakeholders. Planned species for development include shrimp, tilapia, seabass, and pomfret.
The project will involve pilot initiatives and partnerships with universities, international institutes, NGOs, and private investors. Expected economic benefits include improved value chains, increased seafood exports, higher incomes, and new employment opportunities in farming, processing, logistics, and research.
The system will also incorporate sustainability measures such as controlled farming, stock management, waste control, and habitat protection, though officials acknowledged potential risks including water pollution, disease outbreaks, and ecological disruption.
A key feature of the project is the deployment of IoT-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), using smart sensors and automated monitoring to recycle and treat water, enabling efficient land-based fish farming with reduced environmental impact.
The minister said the long-term objective is to develop a sustainable, export-oriented aquaculture hub with regional significance, driving growth through a strengthened blue economy.