Yellow-Foot Clam (Paphia malabarica) Seed Production Technology: A Sustainable Ranching Solution for Ashtamudi Lake

Gomathi, P and Fasula, Mariam and Anil, M K and Shalini, O and Krishna Priya, P M (2025) Yellow-Foot Clam (Paphia malabarica) Seed Production Technology: A Sustainable Ranching Solution for Ashtamudi Lake. ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi.

Text CMFRI Pamphlet Series No.170_2025_Gomathi P.pdf Download (24MB)

Abstract

The yellow-foot clam (Paphia malabarica) in Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala, has long been a lifeline for local communities, directly supporting around 1,000 fishers and indirectly benefiting 3,000 to 4,000 people in processing, marketing, and allied activities. In 2014, this fishery became India's first to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, a global recognition of its sustainable practices. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the fishery yielded nearly 10,000 tones annually, driven by strong domestic and export demand. However, overfishing, habitat loss, climatic stressors, freshwater flooding, and the invasion of non-native species caused a drastic decline, with present catches falling below 1,000 tones. To address this alarming situation, the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI has successfully developed hatchery-based mass seed production technology. This approach is now being used for ranching and farming, offering fresh opportunities for stock restoration and long-term sustainability of this valuable fishery.

Actions (login required)

View Item