Sea farming trials using hatchery-produced Brown mussel Perna indica seed along the Kanyakumari coast

Gomathi, P and Anil, M K and Kingsly, H Jose and Raju, B and Shalini, O and Krishna Priya, P M (2025) Sea farming trials using hatchery-produced Brown mussel Perna indica seed along the Kanyakumari coast. Marine Fisheries Information Service; Technical and Extension Series (263). pp. 24-27. ISSN 0254-380X

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Abstract

Mussels are regarded as excellent candidates for aquaculture due to their role as primary consumers, primarily feeding on phytoplankton. Their farming falls under non-fed aquaculture, as they require no additional feed or fertilisers. Embracing mussel farming can play a significant role in the blue transformation advocated by FAO, which recognizes aquatic food systems as catalysts for employment, economic growth, social development, and environmental recovery in pursuit of sustainable development goals.In India, the Brown mussel (Perna indica) and the Indian Peacock mussel or Green mussel (P. viridis) are available. Perna indica is limited to the southern coasts of India, spanning from Kollam in Kerala to Thiruchendur in Tamil Nadu. While both species can be farmed, the Brown mussel was preferred for sea farming due to its local availability and the favorable high salinity of the area, which is free from river inflow. There has been a recent surge in demand for mussels, causing the price to rise substantially to ₹15 per piece. Mussel meat is considered a delicacy in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. From capture fisheries, 420 tons of Brown mussels were landed in Vizhinjam, Kerala in 2020. Commercial fishing for mussels occurs only during the first and last quarters of the year due to the non-availability of larger-sized mussels during the rest of the period emphasizing the scope for farming mussels to meet the market demand.

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