In its efforts in the direction of reviving declining bivalve assets, the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has efficiently achieved captive breeding of the mangrove clam (Geloina erosa). The scientific breakthrough opens up new prospects for community-managed estuarine aquaculture built-in with mangrove conservation, providing a sustainable pathway for restoring this threatened species.
Mangrove clams, generally referred to as mud clams, are an ecologically and economically essential however quickly dwindling useful resource in estuarine and mangrove ecosystems throughout South and Southeast Asia. Despite the sharp decline in pure shares, the species continues to be a prized native delicacy in a number of components of the nation, significantly in northern Kerala. Locally known as Kandal Kakka, the clam inhabits organic-rich muddy substrates in intertidal mangrove zones.
Scientists from CMFRI’s Mariculture Division efficiently induced spawning of the mangrove clam and accomplished its full embryonic and larval growth below managed hatchery situations. Successful spat settlement was recorded from the 18th day after spawning, marking a vital milestone within the species’ life-cycle completion in captivity.
The breakthrough marks one of the only a few documented cases globally of induced breeding, larval rearing and spat manufacturing of the mangrove clam. The scientists at the moment are working to standardize larval rearing and nursery administration protocols to boost survival charges and allow large-scale seed manufacturing.
CMFRI scientists stated that the event of hatchery expertise and grow-out farming in appropriate estuarine programs might pave the best way for low-input farming. According to them, the inventory of this useful resource could be sustainably enhanced by means of ranching of hatchery-produced seeds in vital mangrove ecosystems, thereby supporting the clam restoration and mangrove conservation.
This achievement is anticipated to open new avenues for sustainable livelihoods and dietary safety of mangrove-dependent communities, significantly in coastal areas of Kerala. Farming actions utilizing hatchery produced seeds will assist restore depleted pure shares, scale back strain on wild populations and strengthen livelihood alternatives for coastal communities.
In India, significantly alongside the east coast and in island areas, wild shares have been steadily declining resulting from indiscriminate harvesting, habitat degradation, air pollution and coastal growth. The absence of scientific inventory assessments, dimension limits and seasonal fishing restrictions has additional aggravated the depletion, with noticeable reductions in each abundance and shell dimension.
One of the biggest mud clams on this planet, reaching shell widths of as much as 10 cm, it performs a vital ecological function by recycling vitamins and stabilizing sediments, whereas additionally supporting the meals safety and livelihoods of mangrove-dependent communities.
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Published on February 9, 2026