Based on a monthly field sampling over a year in the Kochi backwaters (KBW),
this study presents the larval ecology of black clam and discusses how an extensive saltwater
barrage [Thannermukkom barrage (TB)] impacted the natural black clam resource distribution. Spatial variations in salinity were found minimal during the Southwest Monsoon (June—September) due to the predominance of the freshwater associated with heavy monsoonal rainfall. Conversely, significant spatial changes in salinity were evident during the Pre-Southwest
Monsoon (March—May) and Post-Southwest Monsoon (October—February). Monthly sampling exercises revealed that the black clam stock in the KBW breeds throughout the year, as their
larvae were found (8 indiv. m—3—494 indiv. m—3) in all the locations. This observation is the
modification of the traditional belief that black clam in the KBW breeds only twice a year.
Mesohaline condition (salinity 5—18) is the most conducive for peak spawning and larval production. There were two peaks of larval production in the KBW over a year, mainly associated
with the prevalence of the optimum salinity conditions on different spatial scales. The closing of the TB after the Southwest Monsoon (September) causes shrinkage of the area of the
oligohaline and mesohaline conditions, the most conducive environment for the peak spawning
and larval production of black clam in the KBW. This study presents a clear case of how human
alterations of the natural environment impact valuable biological resources, which may apply
to many similar aquatic ecosystems across the globe.
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