Kerala - Kollam   

Breakwater a boon to fishermen

KOLLAM: The Tangasseri breakwater in Kollam has come as a bonanza to the fishing community. The rocks have become a rich natural habitat of edible mussel. Large quantities of mussel are harvested every day at the breakwater.

Sylvester, 60, a mechanised fishing boat employee, says it has provided him a means of livelihood during the trawling ban period. He earns over Rs. 200 a day for two hours of effort. A group of youngsters from Shakthikulangara said they sell the harvest to traders in Kozhikode and Kannur. Only matured mussel is harvested. After harvesting, the mussel reappear in three months and are ready for harvest by five to six months, says Mr. Sylvester. The Tangasseri breakwater complex is now the biggest source of mussel seed, says marine scientist K.K. Appukuttan.

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