Giant Clam Monitoring & Management
Giant clams are important regulators of the oligotrophic conditions that coral reefs need to thrive. They are able to filter an average of 1000 liters of water per day, which controls water quality and nutrient levels in the ecosystem. This reduction in nutrients by filter feeders allows corals to thrive. During this course, students will be introduced to different survey techniques to monitor giant clams and will be taught the key processes to evaluate and recognize different species. We will also demonstrate the steps required to manage giant clam nurseries, as well as the ongoing maintenance and data collection to be performed following transplantation.
Acquire the ability to identify giant clam species through anatomical features.
Grasp the importance, ecology, and global threats facing giant clam populations.
Master the techniques for operating and maintaining in-sea giant clam nurseries.
Learn survey techniques to monitor local giant clam populations effectively.
Program Eligibility and Requirements
To join the Giant Clam Nurseries and Population Program, participants need to meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 12 years of age or older.
- Diver Certification: Applicants should hold certification as an Advanced diver from a recognized diving organization such as PADI, SSI, RAID, or similar. Alternatively, Open Water divers can be eligible if they have successfully completed a buoyancy appraisal under the guidance of a professional diver.
- Diving Proficiency: Applicants need to showcase advanced diving skills, including excellent buoyancy control and self-awareness.
- Certifications: Interested individuals must have completed the following certifications offered by our program:
Upon Enrollment in the Course, participants will be required to:
- Attend 1 Giant Clam Lecture
- Perform 1 survey dive specifically taking data on Giant Clam Abundance/Density, Diversity, and size distribution
- Take data on giant clam growth and mortality at the in-sea nurseries
- Perform general maintenance duties during 1 dive at the giant clam nurseries
- Enter data into Conservation Diver database
- Complete the final quiz
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