Commercial harvesting and economy of edible clam species in Bhatye estuary, Ratnagiri (MS), India

Abstract

Present study consists the annual harvesting and economics of commercially important edible clam species from Bhatye estuary, Ratnagiri (M.S.). Data collected by field and household survey and results were interpreted in two periods viz. July-Dec, 2008 and Jan-June, 2009. In Bhatye estuary,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> K. opima, M. meretrix, M. casta, P. laterisulca and P. textile</i> are 05 edible clam species dominantly occurred while these species are commercially harvested on large scale by fishers of Bhatye village. Out of 350 families in village; 15.14% (53) families with 63 individuals engaged in clam fishing. Among this male individual’s contribution was maximum than females. Annually 60.354 tones of catch were harvested by fishers. Maximum catch was harvested during Jan-June rather than Aug-Dec. In species wise catch, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Meretrix</i> sps. were highly exploited than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Paphia</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Katelysia</i> sp. respectively. Higher income was received from the above during Jan-June period. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Meretrix</i> clam received maximum income respect to other species.