Giant clams seeded in Subic Bay

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—As part of the celebration of World Oceans Day, a group of divers seeded a marine sanctuary in the Subic Bay with an endangered species of giant clams.

The divers, who are volunteers from dive shops operating here and from other government agencies, chose the Ilanin marine sanctuary as seeding site of the activity due to its healthy marine environment.

The 72 giant clams (Tridacna gigas), measuring 15 centimeters in diameter each, can grow up to 1.54 meters in diameter and weigh up to 258.55 kilograms, biologists said.

These were bought from the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute in Bolinao, Pangasinan, with money raised from the “Takbo para sa Taklobo” fun run organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Ecology Center last year. SBMA officials said at least P54,000 was raised from the fun run.

“If the seeding project turns out to be a success, the ecology center will organize more events … fun runs to help fast-track our mission of saving these beautiful creatures from extinction,” the SBMA statement said.