An Overview Of Our Solution
Role of Giant Clam Aquaculture in an Integrated Ecosystem Management Approach
Who is this solution impacting?
Ecosystem
Océans/Côtes
Community Type
Rural
Additional Information
- Population Impacted:
- Continent: Océanie
Problem
Describe the problem
PACA, Indigo Seafood and the Bureau of Marine Resources in Palau have a long term vision of making Palau a model for how to manage wild fisheries and aquaculture in tropical reef ecosystems. In this case aquaculture is not the problem but one of the solutions to the continuing depletion of giant clams on natural reef systems. Our project works with traditional leaders, government agencies, coastal communities, and conservation groups, which have already helped develop MPA's, and now would work with us to farm giant clams to provide income and restoration programs.
Biodiversity Impact
This project combines improved enforcement of MPA's and Conservation Legislation to protect clams in established MPA's, work with existing clam farmers to create spawning stock sanctuaries near their farms, help to farmers to expand their farms so that Palau would not depend on wild fisheries for clams, creation of village based nurseries for giant clam seed, addition of coral farming and restoration to the skill set of clam farmers, environmental models to consider the placement of clams to help filter and clean coral reef water masses.
Solution
Providing Palauan coastal communities with an alternative to wild harvest of giant clams, while increasing enforcement of MPA no-take zones will reduce the incidence of poaching within the already created MPAs. Also, successful clam farms provide an economic driver for coastal communities that is an alternative to fishing. Adding coral culture for clam farmers provides an inventory of live coral that can be used for restoration programs and also additional income to provide an alternative to wild coral depletion. Restoring clam populations and rehabilitating coral reefs also increases tourist enjoyment and protective behavior towards coral reefs. // There are presently about 60 clam farmers in Palau with an average lease of about 2 hectares, or a total of 120 hectares of farms. These farms are designed not to degrade the surrounding reef areas. These areas are not fully stocked out and this project would provide more seed stock for farmers to complete their inventory and add to the filtration and reproductive power of these clam populations. The overall MPA area of Palau is about 30% of the total reef area and this project would help protect all this MPA area which is several thousand hectares. . There are many MPA areas scattered throughout Palau.
Replicability
How many years has your solution been applied? 5 years // Have others reproduced your solution elsewhere? No // PACA and Indigo Seafood work with traditional leadership and the governors of the different states in Palau to set up giant clam farms, nurseries and management plans for the existing farms and the Coastal Zone. PACA has monthly meetings with the farmers to discuss new technologies and market opportunities. Indigo Seafood handles marketing of both food and ornamental clams to Asia, North America, and Europe and obtains clams from the farmers for these markets. PACA/Indigo also work with the Palau International Coral Reef Center, The Belau Water Authority, the Palau Conservation Society and other environmental groups to educate the public and protect the wild resources.
Human Well Being and Livelihood Impact
By improving the well being of clam farmers we are reaching at least 150 farm workers and their families. Adding coral culture to the equation would add and estimated 50 farm workers and creation of wild spawning stocks would add the need for more employees as well. The 16 small states that make up Palau could increase their employment significantly and allow young people to stay on island rather than migrate out. Clams and corals can be sold for ornamental trade and clams for the food trade to Asia. We believe the total crop value could be $10 million per year, which could double the GNP for Marine Resources in Palau. // The Bureau of Marine Resources, PACA, Indigo Seafood, The Dept. of State, the Minister of Marine Affairs and Tourism, plus the environmental agencies and groups all participate in this program. They all work together to follow CITES guidelines for coral reef species. New CITES forms have been created this fiscal year to update the process. BMR is also supporting our connection with the Governors of the various states where we are adding nursery facilities for juvenile clams at the village level to help local employment. Also, this project is not just a two year government program but there was the creation of an actually company, that employs people and will conduct business into the foreseeable future based on profit and expansion of the village based concept and coastal management.