Kundapura is endowed with abundant coastal flora and fauna, courtesy of the Panchaganagavalli River originating in the Western Ghats and flowing into the Arabian Sea. Along its course, the river deposits significant amounts of organic materials near the estuarine region, benefiting a diverse range of living creatures in the area.

The Pancha Gangavalli River is the result of the confluence of five distinct rivers: Souparnika River, Varahi River, Kedaka River, Chakra River, and Kubja River. These rivers form various islands in the coastal region, with prominent ones being Kannada Kudru, Heri Kudru, and Uppina Kudru, particularly significant for traditional fisheries.

During low tide, women from both distant and nearby areas gather at Arate Hole, specifically at Kannada Kudru, to collect bivalves. Approximately half of these women collect bivalves for personal use, while the rest engage in commercial activities, selling the harvested bivalves in nearby villages. Some women transport their harvest in baskets on their heads, offering home delivery services. Despite being an age-old practice, it has persisted with a very limited number of participants.

Two decades ago, bivalve collection in the area involved hundreds of women and men. However, over the years, this number has significantly declined to only 10-20 individuals. The region once hosted a diverse array of bivalve species like Jeddu Mali, Kari Mali, Hesoli Mali, and Kandla Mali, among others. Unfortunately, this rich variety has dwindled, and now only one or two varieties remain. Additionally, the size of the bivalves has decreased compared to two decades ago, a concern expressed by Nagamma, a bivalve collector.

Once a source of livelihood for numerous women due to its abundant bivalve reserves, the river now often leaves many women returning without an adequate supply for personal consumption. A transformation in river culture reflects broader changes evident in human culture. Despite these changes, the bivalves of Arate Hole persist in minimal quantities, serving as an indicator of the transformations that have occurred.

*Bivalve: Mollusc or other aquatic invertebrate with a hinged shell which open and shut.

 Prashanth Ramappa is a dedicated researcher with a Master’s degree in Fisheries Resource and Management. The conservation of coastal ecosystems and the preservation of western Ghats is his passion, as well as the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.