Gujarat recently bestowed the honor of state fish upon the Ghol fish, an announcement made by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 in Ahmedabad. The Ghol fish, often found in the marine regions of Gujarat and Maharashtra, was hailed as the state’s emblematic aquatic representative due to its large size and distinctive golden-brown coloring.

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The declaration of a state fish signifies an intent to preserve and protect the biodiversity of that particular fish species. Gujarat joins the roster of states aiming to conserve specific fish species, preventing them from facing extinction. An initiative spearheaded by the National Fisheries Development Board and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute resulted in 16 states designating state fishes by 2006, a number that expanded to 17 states by 2015, now including Gujarat.

The Ghol fish, primarily discovered in the Pacific Ocean, enjoys considerable economic importance despite limited local consumption. Its demand surges abroad, particularly in China and other countries. Exported frozen or as fish meat, the Ghol fish caters to European and Middle Eastern markets. The air bladder from this fish is a coveted export item to Asian nations, particularly China and Hong Kong, where it’s used in traditional medicine production.

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Its high market value highlights its economic significance. The price of Ghol fish fluctuates between Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 per kilogram, with the air bladder fetching even higher rates, soaring up to Rs 25,000 per kilogram in the export market. Weighing up to 25 kilograms, a single Ghol fish commands a substantial market value, making it a prized commodity in international trade, especially in the field of traditional medicine production.