Prospects and problems of management and development of the marine molluscan resources (other than cephalopods) in India

Abstract

Typical of tropics, India has a large variety of mollusoan resources in the coastal waters and in the estuaries and backwaters. The clam resources consisting of species of Meretrix, Katelysia, Paphia, Anadara, Vlllorita and others have been exploited by the fisherfolk from time immemorial for food as also for their shells. Subsoil deposits of shells form a major resource in some of the estuaries and backwaters. The sea mussel Perna forms a moderate resource which is under Intense exploitation in certain regions. Oyster resources (crassostrea) are not extensive but collected here and there. Windowpane oyster Placenta Is restricted in its distribution but is well exploited- The pearl oyster resource has been unproductive since the early sixties- The gastropod resources consist mainly of Xancus, Turbo and Trochus, which are confined to certain regions and are heavily exploited Other ornamental gastropods used in shell craft industry are thinly spread out. Deepsea molluscan resources, if any are not known except Pirula