Illegal harvesting pushing Vembanad Lake's black clam fishery into crisis,threatening ecosystem and livelihoods of thousands of traditional workers . Clam reserves shrink,unauthorized transport of clam meat and shells surging . Fisheries Department upping enforcement.
Officials recently intercepted vehicle in Kulasekharamangalam carrying 20 tonnes of clams. Seized from TV Puram near Vaikom,no permits. ₹40,000 fine under Inland Fisheries Act. Rules require permits for over 200 kg of clams,shells or meat,by road or water.
“Only Lime Shell Cooperative Societies can store and transport clam shells . No valid transit passes,licenses? Illegal . Strict action follows,” an official warned. But licensed workers say real threat lies beneath lake's surface. Large-scale juvenile black clam harvesting,called Mallikakka locally,eroding future stocks,pushing harvesters into financial distress.
Juvenile clams,under 20 mm,being taken indiscriminately from Vembanad Lake. Meat hits local markets,shells sent to Namakkal in Tamil Nadu for poultry feed. Undermines efforts of Lime Shell Cooperative Societies,who released juveniles into lake with government aid. Illegal operators harvest young clams early.
Much illegal activity happens after midnight,complicating enforcement . With mature clam populations declining,licensed workers travel further for viable grounds. Fisheries Department plans to boost night patrols,increase inspections to combat illegal harvesting,unauthorized transport.
For hundreds of families around Vembanad Lake,black clam fishery is vital. Lake produces 32,000 tonnes of black clams annually,nearly 70% of fishery wealth in brackish ecosystem. Ongoing illegal activities threaten clams and economic stability of those depending on this re…
