Razor Clam Mariculturists

            Mudflats and mariculture island, Zhangjiang Estuary. At left, note walking channels where razor clams are planted on the mudflats. Also note the ciruclar clones of invasive Spartina alterniflora. At right is one edge of the artificial island, constructed to control the tide, exclude predators, and aid mariculture. The island also excludes Spartina seed, which is an unexpected bonus.

Mangrove seedlings planted around island. Mature mangroves will protect the island in typhoons.

Women cultivating razor clams inside levies of the mariculture island. Note flashlights on their hats. This is work with long hours.

Clam cultivating channels outside island. Note encroaching S. alterniflora.

Woman harvesting immature razor clams on mudflats outside island. Note S. alterniflora and tragedy of the commons bearing down on these people.

               Razor clam harvest of the morning on mariculture island.

 Mariculture women showered off and enjoying lunch.

Xiamen University research group with American visitor.

               

  This is Maoland

 

                                                     
                                                                 Xiamen University

   
                                                         With Lin Guanghui, our host.

                                            Spartina alterniflora, Zhangjiang Estuary.

                                  S. alterniflora encroaching on mangroves.

The following show mariculturists working on the mudflats at low tide

            Note mangrove and Spartina seedlings, which interfere with their activities.

Note the razor clam harvesters among the invading S. alterniflora.  A tragedy of the commons. To remove Spartina costs time needed to be spent cultivating clams.