The first robust global dataset on naked clam biology and growth has been assembled through painstaking research by a team based here in Cambridge.  The paper, ‘Naked clams: a comprehensive analysis of their global potential for commercial aquaculture’ published today in the journal Reviews in Aquaculture, presents a landmark synthesis of biological, ecological, and aquaculture data on naked clams and is published with support from The Fishmongers’ Company, Murray Edwards, and Lucy Cavendish College.

The first author is third year Zoology undergraduate, Jia Rong Poon. Dr David Willer and Dr Reuben Shipway are corresponding authors.

The team propose that naked clams could be bred and consumed as a sustainable and nutritious alternative food source, boosting food security, sustainability and global health among other benefits, addressing multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.  Some species of naked clams can reach astonishing lengths exceeding 1.5 meters, thriving by consuming waste wood without the need for costly or carbon-intensive feeds.

'Until now, the potential of naked clams had been hidden in scattered reports across disciplines,' said Dr Willer. 'By uniting and analysing this information for the first time, we’ve revealed a remarkable new pathway for sustainable seafood production.'

Jia Rong Poon (pictured) commented, ‘Building on my Part I studies in evolution and behaviour and my interest in sustainable food systems, I am extremely grateful to author this review as an undergraduate in the Aquatic Ecology Lab under the guidance of Dr Willer and Dr Shipway. 

‘This experience aligns closely with my current Part II studies in evolution, ecology and conservation, which I continue to explore through my Part II research project in the same lab.’

Jia Rong Poon will continue her studies here in the Department of Zoology later this year as an MPhil student in the Biotic Interactions Group led by Prof Christine Miller.  'I’ve always been interested in the relationship between behaviour and ecology. Shifting to insect behavioural ecology allows me to explore these themes within a new system.'

Read the paper:  Poon, J.R., Shipway, J.R. and Willer, D.F. (2025), Naked Clams: A Comprehensive Analysis of Their Global Potential for Commercial Aquaculture. Rev Aquac, 17: e70033. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70033

Images: Jia Rong Poon pictured on a Zoology field trip.  Naked clams in a piece of wood (Picture: University of Plymouth).