An assessment of razor clam fisheries of Pakistan: history, species composition, population and export
Moazzam, M.; Moazzam, N. (2023). An assessment of razor clam fisheries of Pakistan: history, species composition, population and export. International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology 20(1): 87-104
In: International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology: Karachi. ISSN 1810-2719, more
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| Keywords |
ISW, Pakistan, Indus Delta
Mudflats
Solen dactylus Cosel, 1989 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Razor clams, Creeks, razor clam export |
| Abstract |
Fourteen species of razor clams belong to three families of Order Adapadonta including Solenidae, Cultellidae and Pharidae are known from Pakistan coast. One species Solecurtus subcandidus Sturany, 1899 is reported for the firsttime from Pakistan. Solen dactylus von Cosel, 1989 which mainly inhabits mudflats in the creek systems of the River Indus is exploited on commercial scale and exported in large quantities. These razor clams are found in abundance with density as high as in the intertidal area about 300 m from mangrove line in some areas. Razor clams are harvested throughout the year using traditional technique of using table salt as an irritant. Harvesting Solen dactylus is done by fishermen and their families. When the stocks of razor clams is exhausted on a particular mudflat or major reduction insizes is noticed, then the fishermen with their families migrate to other islands/areas. Harvesting of razor clams started in 2004 and now about 500 m. tons of these clams are annually exported from Pakistan generating an income of about US $ 1.0 million annually. These razor clams are exported in live and frozen form mainly to China and other Southeast Asian countries. |
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