Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday announced the establishment of a fisheries and aquaculture research centre at the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHA) as part of efforts to modernise the country’s underdeveloped fisheries sector.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, in a statement, said the 10-acre fisheries and aquaculture research and training facility at KoFHA would help upgrade the underperforming fisheries sector, which currently contributes less than 0.5% to GDP despite its significant potential.
"This may seem small, but it can catalyze high-impact growth in the blue economy," Junaid Chaudhry said. "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 function as a comprehensive "Aqua Ecosystem," integrating the full fish supply chain of catching, farming, landing, auctioning, monitoring, testing, processing, packing, and export. Supported by research and training, it will include hatcheries, aquaculture trials, quality labs, training programs, and technology demos.
Junaid Chaudhry said the hub will drive research-led advances in feed efficiency, disease control, breeding, and yields, targeting fisherfolk, farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and industry players. "Implementation will involve pilot projects, extension services, and partnerships with universities, international institutes, NGOs, and private investors. Focus species include shrimp, tilapia, seabass, and pomfret," he added.
The minister said the economic gains of the project include streamlined value chains, higher seafood exports, increased sector incomes, and jobs in farming, processing, logistics, and research.
"Sustainability features controlled farming, stock management, waste control, and habitat protection though Junaid Chaudhry warned of risks like water pollution, disease outbreaks, and habitat disruption.
The project will deploy cutting-edge IoT-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), using sensors, automation, and real-time analytics for land-based farming that recirculates and treats water, slashing waste amid limited coastal space.
An IoT-based RAS is a high-tech fish farming system where water is recycled, and conditions are automatically monitored and controlled using smart sensors and internet-connected devices making aquaculture more efficient, sustainable, and scalable.
Junaid Chaudhry concluded, "The long-term goal is a sustainable, export-oriented aquaculture hub of regional significance, fueling growth through a robust blue economy."
