Islamabad: A plan to establish a 100-acre Mariculture Investment and Development Estate (MIDE) at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KoFHA) has been outlined by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. The project aims to integrate mariculture and aquaculture operations with facilities for research, innovation, and commercial services.

According to Press Information Department, the proposed estate will be divided into 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 initiative seeks to enhance Pakistan’s fisheries production, strengthen aquatic seed production, and promote value addition and export-oriented activities.

The minister highlighted that the hatchery zone is designed to support advanced aquatic seed production, while the research park will offer facilities for research, innovation, and training. The estate will also include processing and cold-chain infrastructure, commercial and hospitality facilities, sustainable infrastructure, and green spaces.

The proposed infrastructure will feature 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. The project aims to attract investment, increase exports, generate employment, and promote technology and innovation as part of the country’s blue economy.

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