A review of the black clam (Villorita cyprinoides) fishery of the Vembanad Lake

Abstract

The black clam, Villorita cyprinoides, is an important fishery of the Vembanad Lake and contributes to over 70% of the total fish production from the Lake. Factors which affect the sustainability of this fishery are indiscriminate exploitation of small-sized clams, closure of the Thaneermukham Barrage, frequent dredging, pollution due to retting, effluents from shrimp processing plants / factories and swarming of weeds. The present status and management options for this important fishery are discussed.