Why in news?
The Short Neck Clam, scientifically known as a valuable bivalve mollusk found predominantly in Kerala's Ashtamudi Lake, is India's first fishery to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable fishing.
Key Features
- Major fishery resource in the brackish water of Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala.
- Fast growth and early maturity with sexual maturity reached in the first year at a shell length of around 30 mm.
- Clam shells are also economically important as byproducts, used in cement and carbide production.
Conservation and Certification
- The fishery was certified by the MSC as a mark of sustainable and eco-friendly harvesting practices.
- Conservation efforts involve ICAR-CMFRI, WWF, State Fisheries Department, and local fishing communities.
- Ongoing stock enhancement programs aim to combat population decline and ensure livelihood security for dependent fishing communities.
About Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification is a globally recognized program that verifies and certifies wild-capture fisheries and seafood supply chains as sustainable and well-managed.
It involves two main types of certification:
- Fisheries Certification, which assesses the sustainability and environmental impact of fishing operations. MSC certification assesses fisheries on three core principles: sustainable fish stocks, minimal environmental impact (e.g., reduced bycatch), and effective management systems.
- Chain of Custody Certification, which ensures traceability of certified seafood through the supply chain from catch to consumer.
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