Sarasota Baywatch Plans to Release 1 Million Clams Into Local Waters
Al and Tania Almond of Helios Technologies presented a $10,000 check to Sarasota Bay Watch at its annual fundraising event. Helios is the inaugural donor for the "CLAMpaign for Clean Water."
Image: Courtesy Photo
Sarasota Bay Watch announced that nearly 400 participants came together at its annual fundraiser—called "Scallopalooza, It's Clamtastic!"—to support and raise funds to release 1 million clams into Sarasota-Manatee waters. The organization has already released 875,000 clams; it also conducts marine debris cleanups above and below the water, removing trash that endangers marine animals and shoreline birds, as well as removing nets that damage sensitive habitat and trap fish indefinitely. Data is collected to determine hotspots and areas for more frequent cleaning. While shoal islands are being cleaned, invasive plants are also being removed and native plants are planted.
Vases filled with algae water were at each table at the start of the event. Four to five clams were then placed in each vase, and after 30 minutes the clams filtered the algae and the water was clear.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Clams naturally filter excess nutrients that contribute to red tide blooms and unclear water and inhibit sea grass growth—a necessary food source for local marine mammals. Depending on its size, a clam can filter 6-20 gallons of water per day.
