Welcome to the first post in our Stewardship and Educational Outreach Blog Series! Through this series, we’ll explore stewardship-related work being done by organizations right here in Pismo Beach, highlight meaningful community events, and dive into fascinating information about our unique ecosystem. It’s all part of our commitment to sharing the stories that make our community so special and ensuring everyone has the knowledge and tools to protect it.
Spotlight on Cal Poly’s Research: The Return of the Pismo Clams
For our inaugural post, we’re thrilled to showcase the groundbreaking research being conducted by Cal Poly SLO’s Ruttenberg Lab on the iconic Pismo Clams. These clams, a hallmark of the California coast, once ranged from Monterey Bay to Baja California. They were once so plentiful on Pismo Beach that they supported major commercial and recreational fisheries.
After decades of overharvesting, the commercial fishery closed in 1947, and recreational harvesting dwindled as populations declined. By 1993, legal-sized Pismo clams (4.5 inches or larger) had completely disappeared from Pismo Beach.
In 2020, the Ruttenberg Lab out of Cal Poly witnessed an unprecedented recovery with thousands of small clams reappearing on the beaches around Pismo Beach. The CalPoly lab is working to understand the reasons behind the historic decline and the factors driving the species’ resurgence.
This research is an inspiring collaboration between our local university, the city of Pismo Beach, and community members, with a focus on providing management agencies with the information they need to ensure the Pismo Clam’s long-term survival.
From Effie McDermott Achieves. A pile of Pismo Beach clams.
All Hands On Deck: Joining the Ruttenberg Lab for a Day
I had the opportunity to join Cal Poly’s Ruttenberg lab on one of their clam research digs a few weeks back. Graduate student Marissa Bills is the lead for the project, working under Dr. Benjamin Ruttenberg. Marrissa sent me all the details I needed to meet up with the group. I was in awe of how many people–from students to community volunteers–showed up to help.
The survey takes place over three days and in a different section of the beach each day. This dig took place near the entrance to the dunes and the next day they met at the Pismo Beach pier.
Upon arriving, the enthusiasm from the lab members was contagious with music bumping and laughs echoing. TikTok content was filmed and a fair share of SLODOCO donuts were consumed. With the extensive fun also came hard work that was lightened by many hands.
Breaking Down the Process: Wet, Manual Labor
Here’s how the research works. The team conducts three different transects—a methodical survey technique—starting a few hours before low tide. The three groups, separated by a few hundred feet, pick an even point in line with each other to start digging.
They each dig a shovel-width line towards the water, with a set distance distinguishing sections. The first section is marked with a large “zero” and the number increases as they move towards the water.
Here, a clam was found in section “zero”. This requires the team to move backward, or away from the water until they have two sections with no clams.
After digging the sand in each section and dumping it into their cart, the team takes the cart to the waterline and rinses the sand with buckets of water to reveal any clams. The clams are then brought back to the main station and measured for their lengths. Once measured, they’re careful to rebury the clams properly in the section they were found.
Sand is heavy and 20+ trips pushing this cart is a serious workout! It averages around two to three hours to complete the survey, but when the clams are plentiful, it can take much longer! (Pictured)
Of course, this low tide corresponded with one of the largest swells of the year. This resulted in huge surges of water at times and a fast-moving waterline for the team to work around! Wetsuit booties or water shoes are highly recommended. It was a good day to have the sun out to keep everyone warm! (Pictured)
Plenty of clams were found this day but only a few of legal size. We did see two separate groups clamming on the beach. Numerous tourists and locals alike stopped to ask about what the group was doing. All of the lab members were eager to share the work and give people the chance to get their hands in the sand or measure the clams themselves.
It truly feels like a community project with deep roots in stewardship and education!
Lab members take measurements and recording on the datasheet. The clam is measured from the widest two points. (Pictured)
How to Rebury a Pismo Clam
It’s important to rebury clams in a way that guarantees their survival, Luckily, it’s a really simple process! California State Parks even taught a group of 30+ kids, ranging from ages 4 to 18, how to do rebury at the 2024 Pismo Beach Clam Festival.
If you decide to go clamming, make sure you follow these simple steps to rebury the clams you dig up or find on the surface.
Dig a hole at least two inches deep and place the clam with its hinge ligament (the dark bump where the two shells connect) upward and pointing toward the ocean. You’ll want to then cover the clam with sand.
It’s important to rebury clams because it takes time for them to rebury themselves. Leaving them exposed on top of the sand can be harmful or even fatal due to harsh elements they aren’t equipped for. By properly reburying them, you’re helping increase their survival and population!
Supporting the Research: The City of Pismo Beach’s Commitment
The City of Pismo Beach recently demonstrated its dedication to this critical research by funding the project for the third time, with a two-year contract providing $30,000 annually to the Cal Poly lab. These funds help support essential equipment and compensate the researchers for their hard work. It was a unanimous decision across the board for the City Council.
The city recognizes the significance of the Pismo Clam, not just as part of our ecosystem but as a cornerstone of Pismo Beach’s tourism origins. Seeing the clams return after three decades is not something to take for granted—and a story worth celebrating. By understanding the reasons for their reappearance and implementing educated conservation policies, we can ensure the Pismo clam thrives for generations to come!
