Paphia Malabarica

Context:

To address the alarming decline in Paphia malabarica populations, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has initiated a stock enhancement programme in Ashtamudi Lake.

Paphia Malabarica:

• A type of shellfish found in India
• Commonly known as the short neck clam.
• India’s 1^st Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified fishery.
  • MSC is an international non-profit organisation promoting sustainable seafood markets.
• Uses –
  • Human Consumption: A popular delicacy in Kerala.
  • Shrimp Feeds: Used in shrimp feeds in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Industrial Applications: Clam shells are used in cement, calcium carbide, sand-lime, and bricks manufacturing.
  • Export Significance: Contributes 80–90% of total clam exports from India, boosting export revenues.

• Threats –
  • Pollution in backwater ecosystems has adversely affected clam habitats.
  • Non-native species like the Charru mussel have replaced native species in Ashtamudi Lake.
  • Altered salinity levels and rising water temperatures have disrupted the natural balance, threatening the clam population.

CMFRI’s Stock Enhancement Programme:

• Objective – To replenish the declining population of Paphia malabarica and ensure sustainable fisheries in Ashtamudi Lake.
• Part of –Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Blue Growth Project.

Ashtamudi Lake:

• Location – Kerala, India.
• 2^nd largest lake in Kerala after Vembanad Lake.
• Fed by the Kallada River and connects to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary.
• Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002.

Source: TH

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Previous Year Question

Consider the following pairs:
Wetlands: Confluence of rivers
1. Harike Wetlands: Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park: Confluence of Banas and Chambal
3. Kolleru Lake: Confluence of Musi and Krishna
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is situated at the confluence of the Gambhir and Banganga rivers.
Kolleru Lake lies between the Godavari and Krishna river deltas. Hence, pairs 2 and 3 are not correctly matched.

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