Harvesting the Waters: Socio-Economic Status, Production Challenges, and Marketing Practices of Shellfish Workers in Koduvally Area, Thalassery, Kerala

Abstract

Global aquaculture markets, especially the shellfish industry, have experienced significant recent success, but growers remain vulnerable to risks such as seasonality, annual income variability, and environmental factors. As a result, many turn to alternative income sources and off-farm labor. This study focuses on the socio-economic conditions of shellfish workers harvesting clams, mussels, and oysters in the Koduvally area, Thalassery, Kerala, analyzing their economic and social circumstances and the challenges they face. It also presents an overview of issues related to promoting shellfish work in fisheries and aquaculture, based on available evidence, good practices, and case studies. However, data on employment relationships and livelihood strategies within fish value chains remain incomplete, likely underestimating the number of people engaged in the sector.