TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: As unknown pollutants have taken a heavy toll on the local variety of clams and mussels, especially in the Betul-Velim coast of River Sal, the void over demand and supply of shell fish is filled up by neighbouring Karwar and Kerala almost on a daily basis.
Margao’s wholesale fish market is virtually flooded with bags of clams and mussels imported all the way from Kerala and Karwar, meeting the demands of shell fish lovers in the State. Many a traditional Goan fisherman had to go without harvesting clams this year following destruction of the shell fish in the rich natural habitat at Betul. Imported clams and mussels are in big demand at the fish market. Clams are being sold in bags and sacks, while mussels are available in the price range of Rs 300-350 for 100 pieces.
Says Suryakant Naik, a wholesaler in the Margao wholesale fish market: “Importing clams and mussels from across the border is not new; however, the import has grown over the years with the local production falling drastically in recent time. We do not know the causes behind the scarcity of the local variety of shell fish, but pollution of the river may be the prime cause behind the destruction of marine resources.”
Sources in the know said while clams from Karwar arrive at the wholesale fish market via road, the early morning Mangala Express train brings to Margao sacks filled with mussels from the coastal state of Kerala.
Betul has been a rich natural habitat for clams and mussels over the years, meeting the demand of sea shell fishing loving people from Salcete and beyond. In fact, mussels have almost disappeared from the Betul belt and Assolna near Tariwaddo
Says Velim MLA Benjamin D’Silva: “Local fishermen from the Velim-Betul belt has been hit this year because of the large scale death of clams. They would have earned handsome income from harvesting of clams, but in vain. Pollution may be the prime reason behind the destruction.”
