Current Research
The International Marine Science and Carbon Sequestration (IMARCS) Foundation leverages the unique biology of giant clams (Tridacnidae) to develop science-driven solutions for coral reef resilience, habitat restoration, and climate mitigation. By integrating marine ecology, molecular genetics, and biogeochemistry, our three flagship projects are generating the data and tools needed to reverse coral bleaching, rebuild degraded reefs, and create nature-based carbon sinks.
1. Coral Bleaching Restoration in Micronesia
Coral bleaching, caused by the loss of photosynthetic zooxanthellae under thermal stress, has escalated in frequency and severity over the last four decades. In Micronesia, the IMARCS team—in collaboration with the Kosae Clam Farm—is testing whether zooxanthellae sourced from giant clams can accelerate recovery of bleached corals.
- Approach: Bleached corals are dosed with zooxanthellae (algal symbiont) strains isolated from local Tridacna clams.
- Sampling: Coral tissue samples are being collected to measure symbiont species identity, cell density, chlorophyll-a fluorescence, and host stress markers (e.g., HSP70 expression).
- Timeline: All samples will be analyzed at our University of Barcelona laboratory after being received from the Kosrae Clam Farm.
- Goal: Determine whether clam-derived zooxanthellae can improve thermal tolerance of corals and potentially reverse coral bleaching, paving the way for scalable mass-bleaching recovery.
2. Reef Restoration via Giant Clam Reintroduction in Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam
Coastal development and overfishing have reduced live coral cover in Southeast Asia by more than 50% since the 1980s. Near Hon Tre Island in Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam, IMARCS is evaluating whether reintroducing juvenile giant clams can jump-start ecosystem recovery.
- Pilot Deployment: Over 50 Tridacna squamosa and T. crocea individuals were re-introduced to the reef environment with 10 clams per 10-meter reef transect.
- Monitoring Method: Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding will be used at 8–12 months post-deployment to detect shifts in reef community composition—including benthic invertebrates, microbial consortia, and reef fish.
- Expected Outcomes: We anticipate increased habitat complexity, higher filter-feeder abundance, and greater microbial diversity—key indicators of a recovering reef framework.
3. Carbon Sequestration Potential in Elevated-pH Mariculture Tanks in Japan
Under natural conditions, giant clams’ shell formation is roughly carbon-neutral, because CO₂ released during calcification offsets carbon uptake. Our third project tests whether raising seawater pH to levels typical of reef flats (≥ 8.5) can tip this balance, transforming clams into true carbon sinks.
- System Setup: Two 10 m³ tanks in our inland Japan facility—one at ambient pH (~ 8.2), one at elevated pH (8.5–9.0), both at ~28 °C—are fully instrumented for continuous monitoring of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA), and CO₂ flux.
- Data Collection: Over 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, we will measure shell growth (height, dry mass), shell δ¹³C signatures, and net ecosystem calcification (NEC).
- Hypothesis: Elevated pH increases carbonate saturation, driving net CO₂ uptake during shell deposition. Confirmation would position giant clam aquaculture as a novel blue-carbon strategy eligible for carbon-credit markets.
Bridging Science and Practice
Beyond these core studies, IMARCS collaborates with clam farmers in Micronesia, marine researchers in Vietnam, and aquaculture institutes in Japan to translate findings into practical restoration and policy tools. Potential applications include:
- Symbiont-Augmentation Protocols: Mass-culturing heat-tolerant clam zooxanthellae for reef nurseries.
- Clam Nurseries for Reef Rehabilitation: Low-tech, community-driven clam hatcheries to restore habitat structure.
- Blue-Carbon Offsets: Certification frameworks for elevated-pH clam farms that demonstrate net-negative CO₂ flux.
Our integrated, multidisciplinary approach marks a paradigm shift from passive reef protection to active, evidence-based intervention. We anticipate publishing our first peer-reviewed results in late 2025 and invite researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to explore our open-access data portal on the IMARCS Current Research page for ongoing updates and collaboration opportunities.