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<p>Marine protected areas (MPAs) are central to reef conservation strategies, yet their effectiveness for benthic invertebrates (i.e. giant clams) remains uncertain in the face of accelerating environmental change. This study presents a long-term assessment of giant clam (Tridacninae) populations on the shallow fringing reef flats of Lankayan Island, within the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia. After more than two decades of strict protection from direct human exploitation, the changes in giant clam density, species composition, and size distribution are evaluated based on field surveys conducted in 2013, 2018, and 2022. Six species have been recorded, with <i>Tridacna crocea</i> being the most abundant across all years. Total clam density declined by over 70.0% from 2013 to 2022, with <i>T. crocea</i> experiencing a 78.0% drop. In contrast, <i>Hippopus hippopus</i> showed an upward trend, suggesting species-specific vulnerabilities. A low number of juveniles throughout the study period suggests limited recruitment, which could impact population recovery. These findings challenge the assumption that protection alone is sufficient to sustain vulnerable species. Environmental stressors, particularly thermal stress, increased freshwater runoff, and harmful algal blooms, have previously been reported in the region and are likely to constrain recruitment and survival of giant clams at Lankayan Island. These findings show that while MPAs play an important role in protecting vulnerable species, they need to be supported by flexible and forward-looking strategies that also tackle local and global environmental challenges. Without this, even well-protected areas may struggle to cope with the growing impacts of climate change.</p>

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Uncertain refuge: declining giant clam populations in a protected marine area of Sabah, Malaysia

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月30日

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  • Fung Chen Chung,
  • Sze Hoon Gan,
  • Hin Boo Wee,
  • Leony Sikim

摘要

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are central to reef conservation strategies, yet their effectiveness for benthic invertebrates (i.e. giant clams) remains uncertain in the face of accelerating environmental change. This study presents a long-term assessment of giant clam (Tridacninae) populations on the shallow fringing reef flats of Lankayan Island, within the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia. After more than two decades of strict protection from direct human exploitation, the changes in giant clam density, species composition, and size distribution are evaluated based on field surveys conducted in 2013, 2018, and 2022. Six species have been recorded, with Tridacna crocea being the most abundant across all years. Total clam density declined by over 70.0% from 2013 to 2022, with T. crocea experiencing a 78.0% drop. In contrast, Hippopus hippopus showed an upward trend, suggesting species-specific vulnerabilities. A low number of juveniles throughout the study period suggests limited recruitment, which could impact population recovery. These findings challenge the assumption that protection alone is sufficient to sustain vulnerable species. Environmental stressors, particularly thermal stress, increased freshwater runoff, and harmful algal blooms, have previously been reported in the region and are likely to constrain recruitment and survival of giant clams at Lankayan Island. These findings show that while MPAs play an important role in protecting vulnerable species, they need to be supported by flexible and forward-looking strategies that also tackle local and global environmental challenges. Without this, even well-protected areas may struggle to cope with the growing impacts of climate change.