Fisherman in the Vadhvan area of Palghar district, where residents are opposing a proposed commercial port over fears of ecological destruction, last weekend netted a significant catch of the rare and pricey ghol fish.

Three fishermen successfully caught over 200 ghol fish within the designated port area. This particular species holds substantial value, as evidenced by one fisherman earning more than Rs 1.30 crore in 2021 by selling approximately 130 ghol fish. Ghol fish are highly sought after due to the multiple uses of their swim bladder, including beer clarification in the brewing industry, manufacturing dissolvable surgical threads, and being considered a delicacy in China and Japan.