Ashtamudi Lake Clam Population Shows Strong Signs of Recovery

Kollam: Ashtamudi Lake’s short-neck clam population is showing promising signs of recovery, according to recent surveys by the ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). After years of decline, early evidence of spat-fall and an increase in clam stock indicates that restocking efforts are bearing fruit.

The revival follows the release of around three million hatchery -reared clam seeds in December 2024 under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Monitoring has revealed a survival rate of nearly 80 per cent, with many clams reaching the marketable size of 34 mm within seven months. Juvenile clams as small as 2.38 mm have also been recorded, signalling natural recruitment in the lake.

To protect the young clams during their growth phase, CMFRI has recommended a three- month fishery closure from December to February, with local fishers actively cooperating.

The recovery is significant for both ecology and livelihoods. Once yielding over 10,000 tonnes annually in the early 1990s, clam harvests had dropped below 1,000 tonnes, affecting fishermen and allied workers. While the rebound remains fragile and vulnerable to illegal harvesting or environmental stress, careful management and community support provide hope that Ashtamudi’s clam fishery can be restored sustainably.