Fishermen Save Endangered Giant Clams in Polillo, Quezon
A group of small-scale fishermen in Barangay Sibulan, Polillo, Quezon has launched an effort to save endangered giant clams.
Several fishermen have started an initiative to help protect giant clams, locally known as taklobo, from disappearing due to illegal collection and other threats. Instead of allowing the species to continue declining, the fishermen established an experimental giant clam farm near their community.
The fishermen aim to provide a safe environment where the marine creatures can grow and reproduce while helping raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine resources.
The group shared that they began caring for giant clams during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, they noticed that more people were collecting the clams because of their high market value.
Despite laws prohibiting the harvesting of protected species, illegal collection continued to threaten their population.
Since then, the fishermen have made it part of their routine to watch for giant clams whenever they go out to sea. Whenever they find one, they carefully transfer it to a protected area near their village. There, the clams are monitored and cared for to improve their chances of survival.
The group is also planning to expand its environmental activities. One of its future goals is to conduct coral planting projects once the necessary permits are secured by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Healthy coral reefs provide food and shelter for many marine species and play a major role in maintaining balanced ocean ecosystems.
The fishermen have already informed local officials, barangay leaders, and BFAR about the project. They hope the site can eventually serve as a learning area for people interested in marine conservation.
The social media users expressed their reactions to their action:Â
