Guam’s congressional delegate has raised concerns about a NOAA Fisheries proposal to list some species of giant clams under the Endangered Species Act, saying the agency should consider the clams’ cultural significance to Indigenous people.
In a statement, Del. James Moylan (R-Guam) noted that three of the clam species that NOAA Fisheries has proposed listing as either endangered or threatened are native to Guam. He said those species have been used in the crafting of sinahi, a culturally significant pendant made by Indigenous artists, as well as for sustenance.
A federal listing would protect the giant clams from being harvested, killed or sold. Moylan said NOAA does make exceptions for scientific research or assistance in recovery, but would not do the same for cultural use.
NOAA fisheries proposed listing 10 giant clams under the Endangered Species Act in response to an 8-year-old petition.
