Karnataka: Fisherman finds ambergris worth Rs 1cr in Murudeshwara beach

A fisherman from Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada found rare ambergris worth at least Rs 1 crore. The ambergris, weighing 1 kg, was found at Murudeshwara beach.

Karwar:A fisherman, who was on a fishing expedition, found rare ambergris worth at least Rs 1 crore in the international market. The ambergris, weighing 1 kg, was found at Murudeshwara beach, Bhatkal, Uttara Karnataka.

Janardhana, a local fisherman, had gone fishing as usual when he stumbled upon the ambergris, also called the 'whale's vomit'. Upon consulting members from the fishing community, he learnt that the sale of ambergris was prohibited in India.

As per their suggestion, Janardhana handed it over to the forest department's Honnavar division. Ambergris in India is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Dr Shivakumar Haragi, an assistant professor at the Marine Biological Studies Centre, said ambergris is contributed by the sperm whale, which is commonly found along the west coast of India.

"Ambergris is nothing but a digestive waste of Sperm Whales. They feed on squids and cuttlefish, the bones of which are hard to digest. They discharge the undigested bones, which turn to ambergris. Initially, they give out a pungent odour. With the passage of time and temperature, it becomes dry and spreads aroma," he said.

Haragi said ambergris fetches a high price in the western market and is mainly used in the manufacture of perfumes.