18 December2024, New Delhi: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute released three million short-neck clam seeds into Kerala’s Ashtamudi Lake under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Blue Growth Project. This initiative aims to address the alarming decline in clam populations in recent years and ensure sustainable stocks. The release focuses on replenishing clam resources, supporting local fishermen, and boosting export potential.
The successful development of captive breeding technology by ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre enabled the production of these seeds. The clam species, vital both ecologically and economically, has seen a drastic decline in catches, dropping from 10,000 tonnes in the early 1990s to under 1,000 tonnes recently. Key factors include environmental pollution, invasive species, and climate change impacts.
The event also marked the launch of hatchery facilities to produce bivalves for sustainable aquaculture, with mussel seeds distributed to local farmers to enhance their operations and livelihoods.
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