Qeshm - Qeshm Island, Iran's biggest island in the Persian Gulf, is stepping up efforts to develop its maritime economy, with new plans for investment, aquaculture and marine trade alongside measures to restore and protect its coastal ecosystems.

 

Local officials discussed the island’s economic and environmental priorities at a meeting focused on expanding the blue economy, including a proposed offshore banking mechanism, an investment atlas and new aquaculture technologies.

 

Plans call for offshore banks serving the Qeshm, Kish and Makran free zones, which officials said could help finance major projects and attract investment. An investment atlas for Qeshm is also under development, with about 50% of its studies completed.

 

Aquaculture is another priority. Officials are seeking to expand cage fish farming and upgrade hatchery and fingerling-supply facilities. About 3,500 hectares of the island are currently devoted to traditional shrimp farming, with scope for intensive and super-intensive production.

 

The plans also place a strong emphasis on environmental protection, including mangrove restoration, the use of native species, control of oil and plastic pollution, and environmental assessments of new projects.

 

Officials said the strategy aims to combine investment, aquaculture and maritime trade with the sustainable management of Qeshm’s coastal ecosystems. Several initiatives, however, remain at the planning and assessment stage.