Exploitation of clam shells in Mulki estuary, Karnataka

Abstract

Clams of the species Meretrix casta and Paphia malabarica are popular in Mulki estuary mainly for edible purpose, targeting domestic markets of Mulki and Mangalore. Dried clam shells are used in the making of lime. In March 2005, due to high natural mortality, the resource formed a layer of dead and live clams near the bar mouth. Large-scale exploitation of these clam shells was observed from the estuary mainly for lime industry. This has generated income for fishers engaged in estuarine fishing activities and they have resorted to organized shell collection. As with other forms of harvesting, the environmental effects of shell extraction largely result from the physical disturbance of the clam bed. Hence, close monitoring of such activities for the exploitation of shell is required