KOROR, Palau — Faced with a drastic decline in the population of giant clams, Palau’s lawmakers are proposing stricter regulations on their harvesting and sale, along with expanded restoration efforts to replenish their numbers.

A bill introduced in the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK), Palau’s national legislature, seeks to amend the Marine Protection Act of 1994 to regulate the harvesting of certain giant clam species, with exceptions for cultured clams. It also aims to empower state governments to establish their own permitting systems and implement additional regulations to protect the species.

The depletion of giant clams, particularly the Tridacna gigas or “True Giant Clam,” has reached a critical level, according to the Bureau of Marine Resources. The species, known locally as Otkang, is now rarely found in Palau’s waters. Given that these clams take nearly 50 years to reach full size, natural recovery is slow, making immediate conservation action necessary.

Although Palau has already prohibited the export of certain giant clam species, domestic sales have continued to drive population decline. Lawmakers argue that without stronger restrictions and enhanced conservation efforts, the country risks losing this valuable marine resource.

Under the proposed bill, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment would be required to dedicate resources to replenish giant clam populations within the Protected Areas Network (PAN) and other state-designated conservation sites. Additionally, the legislation would strengthen the reporting requirements for the Giant Clam Seed Sustainability Project Fund, which was established to promote the production of cultured clams and support wild populations.

Supporters of the bill emphasize that these measures are crucial to ensuring the long-term survival of Palau’s giant clams, which play an essential role in marine biodiversity and traditional livelihoods. If enacted, the legislation would mark a significant step toward balancing sustainable use with conservation efforts. (By: L.N. Reklai)