A model for responsible black clam fisheries at R-Block in Vembanad Lake, Kerala

Abstract

Kuttanad is a stretch of low-lying land of about 110,000 ha along the banks of Vembanad Lake and Pamba River tributaries. It encompasses vast stretch of backwaters, bordering human settlements, mangrove forests and rice fields. Four major rivers such as, Pamba, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala discharge into this region. It has the distinction of being one of the few areas in the world, where paddy farming is carried out below the sea level. The area is quite famous for its fishery for clams, pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis), snakehead (Channa spp.) and freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium spp.).