Shell shock: Songkla beach residents bemoan mussel decline

[snoop1130]

 

Residents around the Samila Beach area in Songkhla reported a decline in the green mussel population stating that it’s had a negative effect on the community who rely on them as a source of food. Small-sized mussels remain unsuitable for consumption, and it is estimated that the population requires further growth before harvesting is possible.

 

Today, it was reported that the number of green mussels found in the Samila Beach area in southern Thailand had decreased when compared to the same period last year. Moreover, the mussels’ small size makes them unsuitable for cooking. Experts predict that some time is needed for the population to grow before harvesting can resume, KhaoSod reported.

 

Fishermen in the area, who have been monitoring the green mussel population, confirmed the decline in the marine species found in the area. With their small size, residents have not come to collect these mussels from the rocks. Some speculate that the irregular weather conditions in the region might be responsible for this phenomenon. They believe that the mussels need more time to recover and grow before harvesting can recommence.

 

By Nattapong Westwood

Caption: Picture courtesy of เสียงจากแผ่นดินแม่ Facebook

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/decline-in-beach-molluscs-sparks-concern-for-future-food-sources

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-12

 

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[spidermike007]

Sound environmental policies would make a big difference. Treat the sea with respect. Nothing is automatic in this life. It is all connected. 

[Gottfrid]

Eating small mussels???? Yeah it goes hand in hand with many other things. They can not wait for the bananas to be finished and eat them green. They can not wait for mango to be finished and eat them small and super sour. They make papaya salad out of not ripe Papaya. The only thing they can wait for is the Pla Ra to get as old as possible. Like Ripe beyond imagination. So ripe it´s rancid and rotten.

[jcmj]

Could also be that they over harvested the past few years and they need time to catch up. At least they aren’t picking them now and letting them grow. Time will tell. I’m sure it may be a mix of both, but they need to give it time to see. I’m surprised that the Thai won’t eat the small ones though as they catch and eat squid and fish well under sized with no time to grow and reproduce. ????

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Today, it was reported that the number of green mussels found in the Samila Beach area in southern Thailand had decreased when compared to the same period last year. Moreover, the mussels’ small size makes them unsuitable for cooking. Experts predict that some time is needed for the population to grow before harvesting can resume,

As the small mussels are present it would indicate that the water conditions are okay for continued growth.

Maybe the large mussels have been over harvested for consumption by the locals resulting in the current low yield.

That I can fully understand.

Greed kills everything eventually

[nobodysfriend]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

reported a decline in the green mussel population stating that it’s had a negative effect on the community who rely on them as a source of food.

Of course , picking up mussels every day will lead to a decline , logical ...

But then again , human nature ... pick 'em up all , and then complain that there is nothing left .

[digger70]

Why not put a marketable size 40mm limit  on them or grow them in a hatchery. 

 

Greenshell mussels (Perna canaliculus) reared in a hatchery can grow up to twice as fast as their wild counterparts.

[natway09]

Raped over many years & now wonder why they are small