Koyilandy: Mussels (locally known as 'Kallummakkaya') harvesting has seen a massive increase in the Malabar districts in the past year, states a study conducted by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). 

In a workshop conducted by CMFRI for fishermen, boat owners and fisheries department officials in Kozhikode, the research institute informed that Mussels farming had witnessed a 160 per cent increase in the region, with most cultivation recorded in Pattena in Kasaragod district.

Despite an increase in the availability of mussels, the CMFRI report indicates that farmers are not receiving the profit due to falling prices. 

In 2022, sea fish production had improved in Kerala, with 1.99 lakh tons of fish procured in the past year --38 per cent more than recorded in 2021.

The report presented by principal scientist TM Najmudheen indicates that restricting the capture of immature fish would help increase production and boost revenue generation in the marine sector.