The South China Sea is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, home to over 6,500 marine species and nearly 25% of global coral reefs. But this vibrant marine ecosystem is under severe threat, not just from geopolitical tensions but from environmental destruction driven by human activities. One of the most pressing issues is the harvesting of giant clams, which has become a major point of contention, particularly between the Philippines and China.

Earlier this year, the Philippines accused Chinese fishermen of using destructive methods like cyanide fishing and giant clam harvesting in Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea which China seized control of in 2012. These activities have allegedly caused extensive damage to coral reefs, which are essential for the survival of countless marine species. 

Beijing has denied these accusations, but no independent verification has been possible due to China's complete lockdown on outside activities at the shoal. 

The problem of giant clam harvesting is not new, but it has escalated in recent years due to the increasing demand for clam shells, which are highly valued for their resemblance to ivory. These shells are often carved into jewelry and statues, fetching high prices on the black market in China. 

The most troubling aspect of this practice is the method used by Chinese fishers, which involves dragging brass propellers across the reef to dig up clams, leaving behind deep scars on the ocean floor. This destructive technique has devastated large areas of coral reefs, causing long-term damage to the ecosystem. 

In a landmark report early this year, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative estimated that China's giant clam harvesting activities have destroyed over 16,500 acres of coral reef across the South China Sea. The 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, moreover, found that "China has failed to stop its nationals from engaging in 'harmful' and 'destructive' harvesting and fishing of endangered sea turtles, coral, and giant clams in violation of UNCLOS."

Giant clam harvesting is outlawed by both international law, and in 2017 the Hainan Province People’s Congress banned the trade in its most important commercial hub. However, there is substantial evidence that the harvesting and trade not only continues, but does so under the supervision of the China Coast Guard and the protection of local Chinese government officials.

The South China Sea’s coral reefs are crucial not only for marine life but also for the millions of people who rely on the sea for food and their livelihoods. Coral reefs support a wide variety of species, including 22% of the world’s fish species. The destruction of these reefs through activities like giant clam harvesting threatens the entire food web, impacting everything from small fish to large predators like sharks and dolphins.

The situation is further complicated by geopolitical competition in the region. Various countries, including China and (recently) Vietnam, have engaged in dredging and land reclamation to assert their territorial claims in the South China Sea. These activities have destroyed vast areas of coral reefs, adding to the environmental damage caused by clam harvesting.

To save the South China Sea’s fragile ecosystem, it’s essential to view the issue through an ecological lens rather than merely a geopolitical one. The region’s biodiversity is a global treasure that must be protected for future generations. This requires urgent action from all parties involved—both regional governments and international organizations—to implement sustainable practices and enforce regulations that prevent further damage.

The future of the South China Sea depends on a collective effort to halt the destruction of its coral reefs and marine life. If these practices continue unchecked, the consequences could be catastrophic not just for the environment, but for the millions of people who rely on the sea for their survival.