The clam resources

Abstract

Che estuaries and backwaters along the coasts of India have immense clam resources which have been traditionally exploited by the coastal people. The clams form the basis of subsistence for the fishermen during seasons when sea fishing is at a low ebb and clam fishing is a regular activity in many coastal regions of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala on the west coast. Along the east coast, clam fishing is restricted to a few centres such as the Kakinada Bay although, here and there, they are collected for culinary purposes elsewhere. This is an activity where, besides men and women, children participate. Clam marketing is highly localised in centres of collection. Apart from introduction of improved clam-scooping devices, the fishing method of hand-picking has largely remained unchanged over the years.