CMFRI launches black clam cultivation drive in Vembanad Lake

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has initiated efforts to revive black clam resources in Vembanad Lake through controlled cultivation. A one-hectare pilot area at Vadakkumkara has demonstrated encouraging results after a 12-month culture period, with strong growth and survival rates recorded.

The initiative aims to restore the economically important shellfish population in the lake, which has declined over time. The successful trial suggests potential for scaling up the cultivation programme to support both ecological recovery and local fishing communities dependent on clam harvesting.