Once found in abundance, Goan mussel production on the wane -Herald

Once found in abundance, Goan mussel production on the wane March 10, 2013 GUILHERME ALMEIDA MARGAO: When Delhi-bound Mangala Express train chugs in at the Margao railway station in the wee hours, there’s an unusual rush of passengers at the station premises. Not many, however, are aware that along with passengers mussels from Kerala are brought on the same train and ultimately find their way to the wholesale fish market of the commercial town. The import of mussels from across the border ~ from Karwar in Karnataka to the coastal villages of Kerala ~ is a grim reminder that all is not well with mussel production in Goa. These were once abundantly available in along the riverine villages like Betul, Assolna and Cortalim. In fact, gone are the days when mussels were available in plenty along the Betul-Assolna stretch this time of the year. Ask any traditional fishermen inhabiting the banks of river Sal in Assolna and they say that mussel production is hit hard for over a half a decade now. Says a traditional fishermen from Assolna, John Colaco: “Gone are the days when local fishermen used to collect mussels in sacks and sell them in the market. The ground reality has changed now. We hardly find mussels in River Sal.” Colaco recalls they used to procure the seed from Betul in the month of August-September and place them in the River Sal at Assolna. “The reasons for disappearance of mussels should be ascertained. There’s a need to find out why the seed could not grow in the water ~ whether it was due to movement of water, due to navigation or otherwise,” he added. Chief Executive Officer of Brakish Fish Farmers Development Agency, Cedric Gomes, says, “It’s a fact that mussels are not available in abundance along the Goan coast now. It’s primarily because of this reason BFDA mooted a pilot project in river Sal this year to review mussel culture. The project could not take off, but we will try it all over again”. Replying to a question, Gomes said the reasons may be varied, ranging from irregular rains, apart from water salinity and temperatures, besides pollution in the rivers. “There’s a need to find out the reasons why the seed is not growing in the river because mussels, once available in abundance in the State have gradually disappeared,” he added. http://www.oheraldo.in/News/Local%20News/Once-found-in-abundance-Goan-mussel-production-on-the-wane/71769.html