Happy as Clams !

Waterlogged Date: 2/14/97

Many divers express concern about protecting and replenishing the marine environment. The Ocean Heritage Foundation, a group formed by frequent divers at Club Ocellaris in the Philippines, recently jumped at the opportunity to do so. Widespread overfishing in previous decades nearly decimated the Philippines' giant clam (tridacna gigas) population. Clams were taken for meat and for their shells which are used for sinks, bowls and decorative walls. Today, it is very unusual to see a clam while diving. Those remaining are highly camouflaged and unlikely to reproduce. In 1985, The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute under the direction of Dr. Edgardo Gomez and Dr. Suzanne Licuanan, began a project to replace the clams. Tiny seed clams were imported from the Solomon Islands and Australia. Following guidelines developed in Australia and expanded by researchers in the Philippines, the clams were grown in protected nurseries for many years until they were ready to be transplanted into local waters. Unfortunately, after all this work, no funds were available for the job. Local businessman, marine enthusiast and diver, Jacques Pels, heard about the dilemma. Along with Jacques, Boy Venus, owner of Club Ocellaris, and the Ocean Heritage Foundation pitched in their support. Jacques donated funds for the clams' 19 hour trip as well as considerable personal effort to oversee the operation. Boy provided boats, divemasters, accommodations and equipment for the effort. The group planted the initial batch in mid- '96 at Anilao. Supervised by University biologist, Hilly Roa, large clams, both the gigas and derasa species, were tied shut, wrapped individually and placed in Styrofoam containers. These clams and two smaller sizes, were transported overnight to keep them cool. Upon their arrival, the volunteers leaped to unwrap the clams, load them on boats, and plant them near resorts that volunteered to protect the scalloped babies. Groups were deposited in front of Eagle Point, Arthur's and Solana resorts. Tied upright for protection from storm surge, they will soon anchor themselves to the substrate. Weak clams were covered to protect them from marauding fish until they regain their strength. "We hope that enough clams in each group will survive to reproduce and rebuild the clam population in the area" says Hilly. Seedling clams mounted onto concrete trays with epoxy (a tedious job) were set in submerged cages. Jacques explained, "When grown, these clams will be transplanted to nearby sites avoiding the losses incurred by the long hours of transportation." Volunteers erected buoys and signs and distributed flyers to warn potential "clam divers" that taking clams is now illegal. Presentations to resorts in other areas of the Philippines brought an encouraging response. Palawan resorts have expressed interest in helping transplant clams into their area. After days of grueling, but remarkable, teamwork and no "fun" dives, volunteers learned they must dive together and supervise the clams for six years before seeing the results of their continuing effort. A prospect they seemed to enjoy. In fact, it made them Happy as Clams! Article and Photos by Deb Fugitt The Ocean Heritage Foundation could use your help either with funds or other assistance. For information contact: Ocean Heritage Foundation, 3rd floor, Sterling Centre De La Rosa Str., Legaspi Village, Makati, Manila Philippines or email: Jacques Pels, Westar@mozcom.com or Gim Soon Quek, gsquek@asiaonline.net.

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