Ashtamudi Lake Wetland Ecology and Mangrove Conservation, Kollam

Ashtamudi Lake, meaning "eight inlets" in Malayalam, is a Ramsar-designated wetland in Kollam district, the second largest in Kerala. The lake's eight arms penetrate deep into the coastal lowlands, supporting extensive mangrove patches, seagrass beds, and a rich assemblage of fish, prawn, and crab species. Clam harvesting from the sandy lake floor is a major livelihood activity, with Kollam's Ashtamudi Clam being one of India's first marine fishery products to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable harvesting practices. The certification was achieved through community-driven harvest rotation and minimum size limits. The lake also supports backwater tourism and is a critical corridor for migratory waterbirds.