Kollam: Kerala's fascination for the indigenous fish Pearl Spot (karimeen) is well known. There could be a spurt in its production in the inland water bodies of the coastal state as the fisheries department has envisaged a project to protect fish and mangroves of the Ashtamudi and Vembanad backwaters. As part of this project which would be kickstarted soon karimeen would be bred at 10 zones in these backwaters.

The department also plans to start the breeding of clams (kakka), and expansion of the mangrove forest. It has found appropriate areas for each type of cultivation.

Fisheries deputy director Geetha Kumari said that the cultivation of pearl spot and freshwater clams, and growing mangrove forests are the objectives of the Rs 1.90-crore project. As part of its first phase, the department has received Rs 47 lakh for the project, she added.

"The project would be implemented with the help of the fishing community. Fisherfolk would also be the main beneficiaries of this project. Awareness classes would be conducted for the workers to understand the project details," she explained.

Pearl spot cultivation

Five spots, each with two hectares of areas, have been found in the Ashtamudi and Vembanad backwaters. Cultivation would be started at Neendakara, Chavara Thekum Bhagam, East Kallada, Mundrothuruthu, Perayam, Panayam, Thrikaruva panchayats and Kollam corporation. The area of cultivation in the backwaters would be marked with a fence.

The most sought-after Pearl spot (Etroplus suratensisis) typically grows in brackishwater and freshwater.

Cultivation of clams

Two hectares in five zones have also been earmarked for the cultivation of clams. A certain type of clams, with scientific name Paphia malabarica, would be bred. Areas near where the sea and the backwaters converge have been identified for the cultivation of this clam species.

Mangrove forests

Mangroves would be grown within the 10 km radius of the fish cultivation. The fisheries department had conducted a survey to identify spots for each cultivation. The areas were identified by first checking the temperature of the water, and the depth of the backwaters. The technical council would also conduct tests.

Vigil at breeding zones

The areas where fish would be bred would be demarcated to prevent boats from entering it. The area would also be under round-the-clock surveillance to keep away the trespassers. CCTV cameras would also be set up.