ICAR-CMFRI launches PMMSY project for stock enhancement of dwindling short neck clam; Releases 3 million seeds into Kerala’s Ashtamudi Lake

In a major step towards the stock enhancement of short neck clam (Paphia malabarica), the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) released three million clam seeds into Kerala’s Ashtamudi Lake on 17 th December 2024 under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Smpada Yojana (PMMSY) Blue Growth Project.

This assumes greater significance in the report of alarming decline in the short neck clam population for the past few years.

The ranching is a sustainable solution by replenishing the clam stocks and ensuring the continuity of this critical resource in the backwaters. It is aimed at restoring the clam stocks, ensuring sustainability, supporting local fishermen and providing leverage for boosting export revenues. Seeds were stocked in two designated areas of the Lake, where the depletion of the clam has been reported.

The stock enhancement programme was made possible after ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre successfully developed captive breeding technology for this clam species, enabling the production of seeds for the release. The Centre produced 3 million seeds in the hatchery after the success of the year year-long research efforts.

Short neck clam is a treasured resource in Ashtamudi Lake with significant economic and ecological importance. However, in recent years, the fishery of this clam has witnessed a drastic decline, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen who rely on this resource.

According to ICAR-CMFRI estimates, recent annual catches have fallen below 1,000 tonnes as against 10,000 tonnes during the early 1990s. This clam species has substantial export potential, as international demand for clams continues to rise, offering significant economic opportunities for local communities.

Key issues such as environmental pollution, invasion of non-native species like the Charru mussel, and the impacts of climate change, including altered salinity and water temperature, have significantly reduced the clam population.

The event also witnessed the launch of hatchery facilities to produce bivalves for enhancing sustainable aquaculture practices and meeting the growing demand for high-quality seeds. Mussel seeds were distributed to local farmers, providing them with resources to strengthen their aquaculture operations and improve their livelihoods.