Reviving Ashtamudi's Clam Population: A Year of Success

The ICAR–CMFRI's efforts for clam population restoration in Ashtamudi Lake show promising results a year after launching its stock enhancement program. Early spatfall signs and increased standing stock are evident. A fishery closure is recommended during critical breeding periods to ensure long-term sustainability, despite environmental challenges and previous stock depletion.

One year into the ambitious stock enhancement program launched by the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), early positive signs have emerged in the short-neck clam population in Ashtamudi Lake. According to a CMFRI statement, field monitoring data reveal spatfall evidence and marginal stock rise.

CMFRI recommends a three-month fishery closure starting December to protect the clams during their spawning and early growth phases. The institute released three million hatchery-produced clam seeds last year, leading to an 80% survival rate and marketable size clams within seven months.

Environmental concerns like sediment extraction threaten the recovery process, but recommendations for closed zones aim to safeguard juvenile clams. Sustaining this resource is crucial for the livelihood of local fishers, said CMFRI, indicating support from the State Fisheries Department.

(With inputs from agencies.)