Malacofauna of Subarnarekha Estuary (Balasore:Odisha):Their Economical Importance and Conservation

Several faunastic surveys were undertaken in Subarnarekha estuary (Balasore : Odisha) from 2006-2010. During these surveys 82 species of phylum Mollusca were found there, of which Gastropoda comprises the major portion by 46 species whereas Pelecypoda or bivalves consist of only 36 species. Molluscs are being exploited as food from ancient times. Apart from this, shells of molluscs are utilized for preparation of decorative materials, preparation of lime and for fish and poultry feed. Some gastropod shells, namely, Pugilina cochlidium, Bursa spinosa, Tonna sp, Cerithidea sp., Telescopium telescopium, Murex tribulus and Umbonium vestiarum are used as ornamen-tal or decorative article. Among the bivalves, Meretrix meretrix, M. casta, Andara granosa, Gluconoma sculpta, Paphia textiles, Macoma sp. and Saccostrea cucullta are exploited to makings of lime and dust for fishery food. The present study aimed at documenting the molluscan fauna of the Subarnarekha estuary, as well as highlighting the socio-economic aspect of the trade on molluscs from this estuary. The need for conservation of these molluscs is also discussed.