KARACHI – Pakistan has announced the establishment of a fisheries and aquaculture research and training centre at the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHA) in Karachi, aiming to modernise the country’s underdeveloped maritime sector and expand its blue economy potential, officials said on Thursday.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the proposed 10-acre facility would serve as a comprehensive “Aqua Ecosystem” designed to integrate the entire fisheries value chain, including fish catching, farming, landing, auctioning, testing, processing, packaging, and export operations.
He said the fisheries sector currently contributes less than 0.5% to Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP), despite its significant economic and employment potential.
“This may seem small, but it can catalyse high-impact growth in the blue economy,” Chaudhry said in a statement. “If implemented effectively, it could transform fisheries into a multi-billion-dollar industry and serve as a model hub for modern aquaculture.”
The facility will include hatcheries, aquaculture trials, quality control laboratories, training programmes, and technology demonstration units. It will focus on key species such as shrimp, tilapia, seabass, and pomfret, while promoting research-driven improvements in feed efficiency, breeding, disease control, and productivity.
According to the ministry, the project will involve collaboration with universities, international research institutions, non-governmental organisations, and private investors. Pilot projects and extension services are expected to support fisherfolk, farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and industry stakeholders.
Chaudhry said the initiative could generate significant economic benefits, including higher seafood exports, improved supply chain efficiency, increased incomes, and job creation in farming, processing, logistics, and research sectors.
The project also incorporates sustainability measures such as controlled aquaculture systems, stock management, waste reduction, and habitat protection. However, the minister acknowledged risks including water pollution, disease outbreaks, and ecological disruption if not properly managed.
A key feature of the hub will be the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT)-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), which use sensors and automated monitoring to recycle and treat water, enabling land-based fish farming with reduced environmental impact.
Officials said the long-term goal is to develop an export-oriented aquaculture hub of regional significance, positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global seafood market through a modernised and sustainable blue economy framework.