Gwadar’s Hidden Treasure – The Croaker Fish Worth Millions

 

Nestled along the southwestern coast of Pakistan, the port city of Gwadar is quickly gaining attention not just for its strategic location, but also for the natural wealth hidden beneath its waters. Among the many marine species found here, one fish stands out — the Croaker fish, locally known as “Sawa”.

What Makes the Croaker Fish Special?

Scientifically known as Argyrosomus regius, the Croaker is a large, saltwater fish that can weigh between 30 to 35 kilograms and grow up to 1.5 meters in length. But the real value of this fish doesn’t lie in its size — it lies in an internal organ called the swim bladder, or "phooti" in local terms.

Luck smiles on Balochistan’s fisherman

The Million-Rupee Organ: Swim Bladder

The swim bladder helps fish maintain buoyancy in water. In the case of the Croaker, this bladder is highly prized in international markets, particularly in countries like China and Japan.

Why? Because the Croaker’s bladder is used to produce surgical sutures — threads used in medical procedures. These sutures are biodegradable, which means they dissolve naturally in the human body, making them highly safe and effective. This single organ can sell for 2 to 2.5 million rupees (around $7,000 to $9,000) — making the fish more valuable than gold, kilo-for-kilo.

Croaker fish For Surgical Use

Gwadar’s Local Economy and the Croaker Boom

For the fishing communities of Gwadar, the Croaker represents a life-changing opportunity. While it’s difficult to catch, a single large Croaker can earn more than a fisherman’s monthly income. This has led to increased fishing efforts, with specialized boats and nets now being used to hunt for this specific species.

The Dark Side: Overfishing and Illegal Trade

Unfortunately, the high demand has also led to illegal and unsustainable fishing practices. Some fishermen extract only the bladder and discard the rest of the fish, leading to waste and a serious threat to the species' population. Such practices could harm the ecosystem and the long-term survival of the Croaker in Gwadar’s waters.

Illegal Fishing

The Need for Sustainable Fishing

To protect this natural treasure, there is an urgent need for sustainable fishing policies, education among local fishing communities, and strict regulation. If managed properly, the Croaker fish can continue to be a source of prosperity for Gwadar for generations to come.

Gwadar's seas are rich — not just in minerals and oil prospects, but in living, breathing treasures like the Croaker. With responsibility and awareness, this fish could be the region’s blue gold.

Croaker Fish or Sowa Fish

Lucky smile on Gwadar fisherman