Fishermen Seek Policy to Possess and Auction Naturally Found Ambergris
Fishermen's organisations in Mumbai have approached Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav seeking official permission to possess and sell ambergris that is found naturally in the sea or washed ashore, without facing legal prosecution.
In a formal representation dated August 6, 2026, the National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) and the Maharashtra Machhimar Kritee Samiti (MMKS) urged the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to establish a regulated mechanism allowing coastal fishers to register and auction naturally recovered ambergris.
The groups clarified that their request is strictly limited to ambergris naturally expelled by sperm whales and later retrieved floating in the water or along the coastline. They emphasised that no whales are harmed or hunted to obtain this substance.
Ambergris is a waxy substance formed in the digestive tract of sperm whales and holds significant commercial value, particularly in the perfume manufacturing industry, as well as in traditional medicines, incense, and dhoop.
Under India’s current wildlife protection framework and Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the sperm whale is a protected species. Consequently, fishermen who inadvertently recover ambergris risk criminal liability and prosecution for possessing the material.
To address this, the organisations proposed that the Union government introduce a transparent regulatory framework supervised by the Forest Department. Under this proposed system, naturally recovered ambergris would be formally registered and sold through authorised auction channels.
The groups noted that such an arrangement would enable authorities to distinguish between naturally recovered ambergris and illegal wildlife trade, while also providing revenue to the government and financial relief to coastal fishing communities.
The representation stated that the organisations remain completely opposed to whale hunting and that their appeal is restricted entirely to material that has been naturally expelled.
The document was signed by NFF Chairperson Ramkrishna Tandel, MMKS President Leo Colaco, and MMKS General Secretary Kiran Koli. The organisations have also requested an in-person meeting with the Union minister to discuss the economic and legal implications for coastal fishers.
