CMFRI breakthrough revives hope for mangrove clam restoration

In a significant boost to efforts aimed at restoring a rapidly declining estuarine resource the ICARndashCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI has successfully achieved induced breeding of the mangrove clam Geloina erosa under captive conditionsThe scientific breakthrough is expected to mark a major milestone in developing communitymanaged estuarine aquaculture models that are closely integrated with mangrove conservationMangrove clams commonly known as mud clams are an ecologically important but dwindling bivalve species distributed across mangrove and estuarine ecosystems in South and Southeast AsiaDespite their declining availability they continue to be a valued local delicacy in several parts of India particularly in northern Kerala where the species is popularly known as Kandal KakkaThe clam typically inhabits organicrich muddy substrates in intertidal mangrove zonesScientists from the CMFRIrsquos Mariculture Division successfully induced spawning in captive broodstock and completed the entire embryonic and larval development cycle under controlled conditionsThe team recorded successful spat settlement from the 18th day after spawning demonstrating the feasibility of producing viable seeds in a hatchery environmentThe achievement represents one of the very few documented global instances of induced breeding larval rearing and spat production of the mangrove clamBuilding on this success CMFRI scientists are now working to standardise larval rearing and nursery management protocols to improve survival rates and enable largescale seed productionAccording to the researchers the development of robust hatchery technology coupled with growout farming in suitable estuarine systems could pave the way for lowinput environmentally sustainable aquacultureThey point out that hatcheryproduced seeds can be used for ranching in degraded or critical mangrove ecosystems thereby simultaneously supporting clam stock enhancement and mangrove restorationThe breakthrough is expected to open new avenues for sustainable livelihoods and nutritional security for mangrovedependent communities particularly along the Kerala coastFarming initiatives based on hatcheryproduced seeds could help restore depleted natural stocks reduce pressure on wild populations and provide stable income opportunities for coastal householdsAcross India especially along the east coast and in island regions wild mangrove clam stocks have declined steadily due to indiscriminate harvesting habitat degradation pollution and coastal developmentThe absence of scientific stock assessments size regulations and seasonal harvesting controls has further worsened the depletion leading to visible reductions in both abundance and shell sizeOne of the worldrsquos largest mud clams capable of reaching shell widths of up to 10 cm the species plays a crucial ecological role by recycling nutrients stabilising sediments and strengthening mangrove ecosystems while also underpinning food security and livelihoods in coastal regionsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever