'Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi'
Abstract
The Ashtamudi Lake ecosystem in Kerala
(southwest coast of India) is well known for its clam
resources. This estuarine system contributes
approximately 80% of the total clam export trade of
India besides providing livelihoods for at least 3,000
local people. Among bivalves, clams are an important
source of meat for human consumption while its
shells are used in the cement industry
