Shinan-gun Releases Clams to Enhance Ecosystem Primary Production

Release of 1 Million Clams into Shinan Mudflat Wetland Protection Area

Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Park Woo-ryang) has released Manila clams, known as the queen of clams, to increase the primary productivity of the Shinan mudflats.

According to the county on the 28th, the Manila clam release project is aimed at increasing the income of local residents and enhancing the primary productivity of the mudflat ecosystem. It is being promoted to protect and manage the Shinan mudflats as the largest wetland protection area in Korea and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

On the 23rd, Manila clams were released into the sandy mudflats. [Photo by Sinan-gun]

Bivalves such as Manila clams are known to absorb calcium carbonate from seawater, grow their shells, and also have the effect of absorbing carbon.

This release of Manila clams, which are less mobile juveniles, is expected to contribute to the long-term recovery of the mudflat ecosystem through growth over time.

Starting from the 21st, Shinan-gun promoted the release mainly in sandy mudflats that were former natural habitats of Manila clams, including Imja-myeon, Jaeun-myeon, Jeungdo-myeon, and Bigeum-myeon. A total of 1 million juveniles, weighing 4 tons, were released.

Governor Park Woo-ryang said, “The Shinan mudflats, registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, are an area where all forms of mudflats worldwide can be observed,” and added, “We will continue systematic protection and management of the Shinan mudflats, which have an excellent mudflat ecosystem like the Manila clam, known for its high vitality called Saenghap.”

Meanwhile, to protect and manage the Shinan mudflats, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, a total of 9,000 octopuses, the top predators, were released in June.