The Giant Clam, of the genus Tridacna, is a striking image on any coral reef. Its size, at two feet or more in length, along with the deep folds in it shell and the vibrant colors of its fleshy mantle make it a standout. And rather than be the danger portrayed in movies, clamping down on the feet of unsuspecting swimmers, the giant clam is an important member of the coral reef community, a filter-feeder that helps to cleanse the surrounding waters to the benefit of all the reef's inhabitants.
In Malaysia, the Tridacna clam has been heavily exploited for decades, either for its meat or shell. And as Malaysia has grown as both a tourist destination and commercial shipping center, water pollution and urban development have taken its toll on the clams and, for the matter, all of the surrounding reefs.
However, the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC), affiliated with the Gayana Eco resort on Gaya Island outside of nearby Kota Kinabalu, is taking steps to bring the Tridacna back to its former glory. The Centre has patiently been nurturing Tridacna larvae in a nursery to where they are now ready to transplant 500 three-inch juveniles back to the coral reef. Researchers will closely monitor the growth and overall health of the clams in their new environment. If all goes well, they have as many as 2,000 clams in their nursery which could be returned to the reef.
“We chose giant clams for our Save the Giants program because they are endangered, slow to grow and important in producing oxygen into the marine ecosystem,”said project director Alvin Wong. “Hopefully, this first batch will make it. We will monitor their progress as we continue to produce more giant clams.” Additionally, MERC has been cultivating corals for replanting, as many as 1,000, and are prepared to transplant them in and around the reefs at Gaya Island.
Like many other Pacific islands, MERC realizes that much of Malaysia's economic growth is closely tied to tourism. Malaysia is known for beautiful coral reefs that are enjoyed by divers and snorkelers - and that means revenue for the nation and its people. The Centre was awarded the Most Innovative Tourist Attraction Award at the 2008/2009 Malaysia Tourist Awards, so they are not alone in realizing the value of healthy, protected reefs.
The Marine Ecology Research Centre will be educating schools and non-governmental groups on the importance of marine conservation while they continue with their giant clam and coral breeding and transplanting activities. Let's hope they succeed on all counts. The Tridacna clam is an impressive reef invertebrate worth saving.
There are many armchair marine conservation and marine biologists out there; folks who cruise the Internet or read books to gain knowledge but don't have the time, inclination, or finances to get a formal degree. And that can be a fine approach - one shouldn't complain too much about enlightenment, whether it's formal or self-acquired - but, as "self-schooled," one could be subject to interpretation and misconception. A little structure can go a long way, particularly for young students impressionable and open for knowledge.
In Southeast Asia, the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) offers an interesting opportunity to get a structured introduction to marine conservation while at the same time enjoying the dive destinations of places like Borneo, Sipadan, and Malaysia. TRACC works with local resorts in putting together study & dive packages ranging from a concentrated 6-day course to a more lengthy 12-week course of study.
As a non-profit organization, TRACC is involved in coral reef and shark conservation and engages divers in volunteering to help support their research projects. The tie-in with dive resorts surely provides the group with some financial benefit while at the same time offering a method to alert divers to the issues threatening the biodiversity of these tropical regions.
However, I was a bit concerned as to the validity of the course, so I dug a bit deeper. The six-day diver course is TRACC's own invention and, while not formally accredited by any major educational institution, it is a clever value-added bonus to any diver seeking to get the most out of their dive experience.
The 12-week course is based on a curriculum offered through Cambridge University. TRACC's Marine Science A Level program, as it is called, follows a specific Cambridge syllabus and final examinations are offered by Cambridge to receive your full recognition for completing the course. The study course was designed primarily for young, college-level students and many colleges offer school credit for having completed the course. But it also offers benefits for older inquisitive minds or those contemplating a career in marine industries.
"TRACC is offering an internationally recognised marine science advanced (“A”) level from Cambridge Examination Board as a way to gain a useful qualification during a gap year or a volunteer programme (shorter alternatives are the 6 day courses). The advanced level Marine Science Course is for mature students who want to learn more, for students who want to study Marine Biology or Environmental Science at a university, or students who want to follow a career in shipping, fisheries, tourism or aquaculture,"TRACC's website explains.
There are other marine conservation organizations that offer volunteer research opportunities that can provide a terrific learning experience. By coupling with a major educational institution like Cambridge University, TRACC is offering a more formal course of study that will hopefully educate Malaysian divers and students to the importance of preserving their natural resources and biodiversity while also providing a rewarding experience and point of personal recognition to international travelers as well.
It has been some time since I posted any news updates on Tigers. These beautiful cats are emblematic of the problem of poaching and the illegal trade in endangered species. While their habitat has been encroached upon through development or deforestation, illegal hunting seems to be the biggest threat to their existence. And the scarcer they become, the more valuable and tempting they are to the poacher.
Their current numbers across their entire range from Nepal to Malaysia is estimated at only 3,000. By contrast, in the 1950s there were 3,000 in the Malaysian Peninsula alone (a population that has now been reduced to around 500). While a complete tiger skin has value in the black market, of particular value are the male genitalia - freeze-dried and sold as an aphrodisiac in Asian markets.
Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and WildAid put a lot of their resources towards working with governments to clamp down on poaching and the illegal trade. Here is a video of a recent rescue in Malaysia of a young tiger caught in a poacher's wire snare. The tiger is being cared for at the local zoo and veterinarians hopefully will be able to save its leg. Read more.
This is an issue that requires action on a governmental and international level for more resources and better enforcement. Recently, over 250 scientists, experts, and government delegates convened in Nepal to discuss the situation and make recommendations. The Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop cited the need for greater protection, support of a tiger resolution with CITES, and a review of development projects that could impact the tiger's habitat.
“These are a good start but the momentum from Kathmandu needs to be carried forward all the way to the Tiger Summit during the Year of the Tiger 2010 and beyond,” said Mike Baltzer, head of WWF’s Tiger Initiative. “The tiger range countries are clearly committed to saving their wild tigers and the world needs to extend unstinting support to this mission because once tigers are gone, they’re gone forever.”Excerpt from a WWF press release.
Most of you are probably not shopping for a tiger skin rug or some frozen tiger penis to spark up your romance. What you can do is support the efforts of groups like World Wildlife Fund or WildAid who are keeping the issue alive with governments and international organizations while also addressing the issue with local citizenry and the populations where the demand for ancient homeopathic medicines still flourish.
The RTSea Blog was started in 2008 and now includes over 950 entries available for media or academic background research use, including observations on a wide range of topical issues and events involving the oceans, sharks, and nature in general. After a brief break in 2012-13, there will now be more posts forthcoming.
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The Giant Clam, of the genus Tridacna, is a striking image on any coral reef. Its size, at two feet or more in length, along with the deep folds in it shell and the vibrant colors of its fleshy mantle make it a standout. And rather than be the danger portrayed in movies, clamping down on the feet of unsuspecting swimmers, the giant clam is an important member of the coral reef community, a filter-feeder that helps to cleanse the surrounding waters to the benefit of all the reef's inhabitants.
transplant 500 three-inch juveniles back to the coral reef. Researchers will closely monitor the growth and overall health of the clams in their new environment. If all goes well, they have as many as 2,000 clams in their nursery which could be returned to the reef. 
