Characteristics of clam resources of Vembanad lake - a case study

Abstract

The Vembanad lake, covering about 200 sq. km, it supporting a rich fishery of clams mainly constiiuted by Villorlta cyprlnoldes vac Cochinensis and the total production Is around 25,000 t/year- The lake is divided into s'x zones for studying the pattern of exploitation and seed production and the results are presented in the paper. The effect of manual exploitation of subsoil deposits ranging from 41,000 to 70,000 t/year and of dredging on the clam beds is also presented with comments on the development possibilities in the sector based on this case study.