The Significance of Clam Gardens

Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest have utilized clam gardens for over 3,500 years, demonstrating effective ecosystem management practices. These clam gardens, constructed with intertidal rock walls, have been found to produce significantly more clams—between 150% and 300%—compared to non-garden areas. The use of calcium carbonate from broken clam shells within these structures creates optimal habitats, promoting the growth of clams at rates two to four times faster than in untreated areas. The longevity and productivity of clam gardens reveal the profound understanding indigenous peoples possess in nurturing marine ecosystems sustainably.