Prize catch:30-kg Ghol fish netted by Palghar brothers sold for ₹5.5 lakh

Known as ‘Sea Gold’, the Ghol fish is prized for the medicinal value of its fins, which are used by pharmaceutical companies to make dissolvable stitches. It is also used for wine purification in Singapore.

In what proved a lucky stroke for two brothers, Mahesh Daji Meher and Bharat Meher, a 30-kg Ghol fish netted by them ear Murbhe coast in Palghar on Sunday was sold for Rs5.50 lakh. The two had set sail on Friday afternoon, as the 2-month ban on fishing imposed by the state government came to an end.

The Ghol fish (Protonibea diacanthus) was netted near Murbhe coast in Palghar on Sunday, August 5, 2018. (HT Photo)

They bagged the catch during their return trip. Word about the fish soon spread among the trawlers on the coast and was sold to the highest bidder.

The Ghol fish (Protonibea diacanthus) is a type of croaker fish with a huge marker in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Known as ‘Sea Gold’, the fish is prized for the medicinal value of its fins, which are used by pharmaceutical companies to make dissolvable stitches. It is also used for wine purification in Singapore.

However, lately there has been a drop in the fish population in the area due to rampant pollution. As a result, fishermen have to venture deep into the sea for fresh catch. This has caused fishermen to incur significant costs in terms of dry rations, diesel, and wage to labourers on board.

The Meher brothers said that they hopeful that the proceeds from the sale of the fish will resolve their financial problems.