Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of Gujarat declared the Ghol fish as the state fish during the two-day Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 in Ahmedabad.
This significant event, attended by various dignitaries, highlighted the Ghol fish's prominence in the marine areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Notably, this fish, distinguished by its golden-brown colour, is among the largest found in India.
The Ghol fish holds considerable value due to its meat and air bladder. Its meat is sought after, while the air bladder is utilized in pharmaceuticals and the production of beer and wine. The air bladder is exported from Mumbai, contributing to its economic significance.
The length of the Ghol fish, reaching up to one-and-a-half meters, affects its price, with longer specimens fetching higher amounts, sometimes up to Rs 5 lakh per unit length.
Fishermen capable of catching Ghol fish stand to earn substantial annual incomes, running into millions.
Central Minister Parshottam Rupala, present at the conference, noted that Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh had previously declared their respective state fish through programs organized by the fisheries Department.
This move by Gujarat not only recognizes the importance of the Ghol fish but also aligns with broader state-level initiatives in the fisheries sector.
Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat Declared the State Fish of Gujarat. This fish is known as "Ghol" or "Jew fish" Which is most valuable demersal fish. #GFCIndia2023 #FishForFuture #PMMSY #MSJA #Fisheries4India pic.twitter.com/GmGV8G7034
— Global fisheries conference India 2023 (@GFCINDIA2023) November 21, 2023