The fishery and biology of Meretrix casta(Chemnitz) in the Moorad estuary, Kerala


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Authors

  • P Laxmilatha Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
  • Sujitha Thomas Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
  • M P Sivadasan Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
  • N P Ramachandran Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
  • V G Surendranathan Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India

Abstract

Meretrix casta forms an important fishery in the Moorad estuary. The averageannual landing for the period 2000-2004 was 426t, the average catch per effortwas 573 kg and total effort was 3182. Clams ranging from 28 to 32 mm sizecontributed to the fishery. M casta is a continuous breeder with two peaks inMarch-April and August-September. The precentage edibility ranged between8 and 16. The standing stock biomass in the Moorad estuary was estimated at2073 t with an average density of 1096 numbers per sq. m. The present statusand management options for this important fishery are discussed.

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Author Biographies

  • P Laxmilatha, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
    Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
  • Sujitha Thomas, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
    Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
  • M P Sivadasan, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
    Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
  • N P Ramachandran, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
    Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
  • V G Surendranathan, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India
    Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, West Hill P.O., Calicut 673 005,Kerala, India

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Issue

Vol. 53 No. 1 (2006)

Section

Note

License

The copyright of the articles published in Indian Journal of Fisheries vests with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, who has the right to enter into any agreement with any organization in India or abroad engaged in reprography, photocopying, storage and dissemination of information contained in these journals. The Council has no objection in using the material, provided the information is being utilized for academic purpose but not for commercial use. Due credit line should be given to the ICAR where information will be utilized.

How to Cite

Laxmilatha, P., Thomas, S., Sivadasan, M. P., Ramachandran, N. P., & Surendranathan, V. G. (2011). The fishery and biology of Meretrix casta(Chemnitz) in the Moorad estuary, Kerala. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 53(1), 109-113. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJF/article/view/6927