Archive for the ‘Davao del Norte’ Category

Explore Nature by Visiting the Giant Clam Sanctuary

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GIANT CLAM SANCTUARY

Photo from: http://www.lantaw.com/2016/03/davao-samal-snorkeling-giant-clam-sanctuary-taklobo-tours.html

If you are planning to explore Samal Island, you should not miss the Giant Clam Sanctuary. It’s located at the white sand islet across from Barangay Adecor, the fishing village beside Pearl Farm Resort. I had no idea about this tourist spot until our habal-habal driver informed us during our three-day Samal getaway last March.

“You will never regret visiting the Giant Clam Sanctuary; you will find clams of different sizes and colors there,” assured our boatman. I’m glad we listened to him and trusted his words, as the underwater creatures didn’t disappoint us. As we snorkeled in awe, we saw 15 to 40-inch neatly-arranged endangered clams; the young ones close to the beach and the huge ones at the deeper part of the sea. Read More: http://www.thetravelingkit.com/2013/08/giant-clam-sanctuary-in-samal-island.html

Photo from: https://wanderyani.wordpress.com/2017/04/04/giant-clam-sanctuary-in-samal-island-taklobo-tours/

The Giant Clam Sanctuary is a part of an eco-tourism industry called “Taclobo Tours”. Presently, these clams are considered endangered. It is under the security of Davao del Norte State College, with the association of the local community (AdeCor United Fisherfolks Organization).

Giant clams are feared for attacking people in the ocean. National Geographic, in any case, says this is an undeserved reputation. Giant clams consume sugars and proteins delivered by the algae living in their tissues. They have never been a record of a swimmer or diver being swallowed by a giant clam. This, however, doesn’t give us permission to touch them. Read More: https://www.rizanoia.com/giant-clam-sanctuary-samal/

Photo from: http://www.thetravelingkit.com/2013/08/giant-clam-sanctuary-in-samal-island.html

Samal also houses a sanctuary for the giant clams or tridacna. Not all clams can be eaten, and the giant clams at the Taklobo Sanctuary are considered endangered.

The clams have been listed under the endangered species in the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species or CITES. Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code prohibits taking, selling and eating of giant clams.

Giant clams are important indicators of a healthy marine environment. They contribute to the coral reefs as builders and shapers, food and shelter.

The sanctuary in Samal serves as a learning center to create awareness in protecting the life of different sea creatures. Visitors to the place people can actually snorkel and swim around them. They are also encouraged to take part in conserving and preserving the clams. Read More: https://www.choosephilippines.com/go/adventures-and-sports/3866/giant-clams-samal