More than the benefits for marine life, Giant Clams can also contribute to the wellbeing of nature which in the long run can benefit man as well. (Photo by VINCE G. LOPEZ)

"They are already locally extinct. Wala na sila, naubos na,” uttered Louie Mencias of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving. The Commissioner was talking about Tridacna Gigas, also known as Giant Clams.

Giant clams are marine creatures that never fail to amaze divers and snorkelers with their imposing size. They used to be commonly found on the list of marine life around the country. But because of their reputation as a strong aphrodisiac, giant clams have also made it to the regular menu of local eateries. The fact that they also serve as a beautiful souvenir didn’t help either.

Taken out of the seas to be eaten or to be used as house decoration, the number of giant clams has dwindled and is now nearing extinction. One of the local spots that these marvellous marine creatures used to frequent was Morong, Bataan, particularly along Anvaya Cove.

Anvaya Cove is Ayala Land’s leisure community development known for its commitment to preserve nature the latest of which was the Giant Clam seeding project in its cove. The project was initiated by the Anvaya Environmental Foundation, Inc. (AEFI) which aims to further enrich the already diverse marine life around Anvaya Cove.

“Our objective is to put the clams back into the water to re-populate.  By putting them back in their natural habitat, they will spawn and release sperm and result in the re-population of the clams not only in this cove but also in the surrounding area as currents spread its larvae,” explained Mencias as he leads the volunteers in the re-seeding project.

Mencias has long been an advocate of rehabilitating marine biodiversity. A staunch defender of sea life, he is also a passionate scuba diver and a front-liner in re-foresting Philippine seas. He and his wife Chen serve as advisers and consultants for this AEFI project.

“When we did this, it was simply to save an endangered species. But from our experience through the years, by putting up giant clams, gumaganda yung reef. Yung shells niya tinutubuan ng reefs, sponges and other marine organisms. And pag nag-release siya ng egg and sperm, these serve as food for the other organism. So as a result, dumadami yung isda not only in terms of quantity of fish but also its variety or yung species. Mas nagiging diverse yung reef,” said Mencias.

The Giant Clam re-seeding project takes a couple of years depending on the size of the clams, for the re-population to take full effect.

“The biggest is anywhere from 45-50 centimeters in shell length. The advantage of the bigger clams is that they are much older and therefore much mature. In a year’s time or even a few months, they can already spawn,” added Mencias.

While they are already extinct, the giant clams originated from Bolinao, Pangasinan where they are scientifically cultivated and studied. But before the giant clams, Anvaya cove is already known as the nesting place for pawikans or sea turtles.

“We don’t expect any adverse effect on the place being a nesting place for pawikans. In terms of ecosystem, it becomes more stable if it is more diverse. So through this, we enhance the pawikan’s nest and everything else underneath,” concluded Mencias.