Resources study of the clam Mesodesma glabratum (Lamarck) in the islands of the Gulf of Mannar

Abstract

A survey of twenty Islands lying between Tuticorin and Pamban in the Gulf of Manner during 1977 indicated extensive beds ranging from 0.25 to 1.50 sq.km of Mesodesma glabratum along the inter tidal zones of these islands. The population density was very high in six islands nearer to Tuticorin and low In the Islands nearer to Pamban. It was estimated that the rich beds in Van Thivu and Upputhanni Thivu contained as much as 4,50,000 numbers each which is a seasonally renewable resource. At present this valuable resource remains unexploited.