Giant clams serve as magnets for fish in Bohol

DIVERS from the 2nd Special Forces Battalion of the Army seed giant clams in the waters of Barangay Bingag in Dauis, Bohol. PHOTO BY 2ND SPECIAL FORCES BATTALION

TAGBILARAN CITY—The Bohol provincial government has reported an increase in fish density in the province’s seawaters, just three months after giant clams were seeded in four marine protected areas (MPAs).

Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto said findings showed that the giant clams worked like magnets in attracting more fish in the MPAs since these were seeded in February.

More than three months later, findings showed a 53.23-percent increase in fish density, or the number of fish in a particular area, in the MPAs in Barangay Bingag, Dauis.

Mario Marababol, Cebu-based marine biologist, said the numbers are an indication that the MPAs are being managed well.

“That’s good news,” said Marababol in a phone interview.

In February, 101 giant clams, weighing 15 to 25 kilograms each, were bought by Bohol for P4,000 each from the ocean nursery in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Twelve of the clams did not survive and 60 others were taken to three MPAs in villages in the towns of Anda and Guindulman, and in Balicasag Island in Panglaw. The rest of the clams were taken to Barangay Bingag in Dauis.

The provincial government launched the giant clam seeding program on Feb. 20 in a bid to repopulate the seas of Bohol with clams because these could help bring fish back.

Marababol had said the presence of giant clams would be a good indicator of a “healthy reef.” Aside from being a natural water filter, clam shells could host sponges where fish could feed, he said.