Clam fisheries of Vembanad Lake, Kerala with observations on the socio economic conditions of the clam fisheries

Abstract

Vembanad Lake is the main estuary system which harbours rich resources of clams along the south west coast of India. Villorita cyprinoides) is the main resource followed by Meretrix cata, Paphia malabarica and Suneta scripta.Annualy about 31650 tonnes of clams are harvested and out of which 31430 tonnes is contributed by the black clam.