They have their blessing

The revelation was unexpected, and surprising. Apparently, a scientist was able to develop a process of seeding the reef with giant clam larvae, way back in the 1980s. That reef was in Scarborough Shoal, or Panatag as we call it. The purpose of Dr. Ed Gomez, inventor of the process, was to improve the ecosystem and beautify the reef, and not to someday harvest the giant clams. Of course, here comes China, who just like in everything else, does not care for the environment. We beautify, they destroy.

The giant clams are forcefully exposed at the bottom of the sea, using high-pressure water jets or vacuums. Once the mollusks are exposed, the fishermen empty the shells of the living organism and stack them, color-coding the pile to be picked up at a later time. Because of the use of high-pressure water jets, the bottom of the ocean is disturbed, with the sand and sediment thrown up. This causes a decrease in the visibility of the area, in turn driving away the fish. The daily catch of our fellow fishermen have thus markedly decreased, especially since they are not allowed inside the lagoon itself. Video from ABS-CBN News captures the color-coded piles of empty giant clam shells. According to the fishermen, the Chinese just come back for them when they have harvested a lot. They are so confident that they can just leave their piles with no fear of anyone taking them.

Obviously, they are not harvested for food, as the living parts of the giant clams are immediately removed from the shells. Apparently, these giant clams have replaced ivory, which is now much difficult to obtain, thanks to efforts of conservationists and concerned agencies and governments. The shells can fetch a hefty price, depending on the size, which in turn are turned into ornaments, collectibles, fixtures, or even furniture. No medicinal value, not even food.

China and the Philippines have jointly condemned the harvest of the giant clams. The statement was made during the last visit of President Duterte to China. China seems to be implying that they have no idea of the illegal harvesting of the giant clams. Really? Then how were their boats able to go to Panatag Shoal, without the blessing of the Chinese Coast Guard? That statement is more of a press release to say something about the issues in Panatag, than actual policy. I do not believe the Chinese government was not aware of the actions of its fishermen, with the strong presence of their coast guard vessels the size of warships. Filipinos are not stupid. If we send our own coast guard ships to guard Panatag Shoal and stop the harvesting of giant clams, would the Chinese allow that? If our small fishing boats are being driven away, what more our coast guard?