The thing about surf contests in idyllic locations like Fiji is that athletes and fans alike are often too caught up with the action occurring just above the surface of the water when what’s happening below is infinitely more important.
Since 1985, Fiji’s Department of Fisheries has sought to repopulate the archipelago’s population of giant clams, and on a recent lay day, John John Florence, Kelly Slater, and Rosy Hodge accompanied Tavarua’s managing director Rick Isbell to an outer island hatchery get a better understanding of the project.
When the project began, the giant clam was virtually extinct in Fiji. But, after successfully transplanting some from the Great Barrier Reef, the population has since made a serious comeback.
Hatcheries have been vital in this process. But after Cyclone Winston decimated one of the largest among them, the Department of Fisheries looked to diversify its hatchery locations so as not to have all its eggs in one basket, so to speak.
Due to restrictions on fishing in recent years, Tavarua’s reef is thriving, making the island the ideal location for another giant clam hatchery.
In the video above, John John, Kelly, Rosy and Rick see for themselves the beauty of these giant clams, their size (they live up to 100 years and can grow to more than 400 pounds!), and transport babies from one fishery back to Tavarua.
“They’re so big they carry an ecosystem around ‘em,” said John. “It’s amazing how they sit there and get bigger and bigger.”
Back on the island, a celebration was held to welcome the baby clams in the same way that they would for a new baby.
“They’re spectacular creatures,” said Kelly. “Something that old, you have to have respect for ‘em.”
