Bivalve Fishery of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri Coast, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Estimated bivalve landing of Maharashtra was 1,237 t in 2017. Oysters dominated the fishery (79%) followed by clams (17%) and mussel (4%). The Indian rock oyster, Saccostrea cucullata locally known as ‘Kalva’ contributed 90% to the oyster catch. The fishery was observed mainly in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri Districts. Clam landing comprised of Meretrix meretrix (44%), M. casta (30%), Paphia malabarica (18%), Katelysia opima (7%) and Polymedosa erosa (1%). Green mussels (Perna viridis) were harvested along the coastal waters of Ratnagiri. Meretrix meretrix showed dominance in all month followed by M. casta and P. malabarica. Catch per unit efforts for clams and oyster were highest during June and July month. There was good demand for bivalves in local markets during the mechanised fishing ban period. Mostly women were handpicking the clams during low tide. There was good demand for bivalves in local markets during the mechanised fishing ban period (June-July). The correlation matrix shows condition index and percentage edibility correlated with the water temperature in the creek.