Punish Criminals Killing Endangered Giant Clams

Target: Roy Cimatu, Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines

Goal: See that poachers who killed giant claims are punished to the full extent of the law.

Nearly 200 tonnes of giant clam shells were seized from criminals in the Philippines. Giant clams are an endangered species, and the loss of these creatures will have a permanent and devastating effect on the ecosystem.

These large clams, including the Tridacna gigas which is the largest species in the world, are commonly poached for their meat and their shells. Their shells have become an illegal replacement for ivory, especially since there is such a stranglehold on global ivory trades.

There are stiff fines in the Philippines for poaching these irreplaceable creatures: fines up to one million pesos and a prison sentence of up to 12 years. Heinous acts of this nature must be discouraged.

Sign this petition to ensure that these poachers who have pillaged the oceans on such a horrific scale are punished to the full extent of the law.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Minister Cimatu,

It is shocking that nearly 200 tonnes of giant clam shells were seized in one of the largest raids of its kind. The giant clams are irreplaceable in the aquatic ecosystems they inhabit, and their loss will have a permanent effect that will have detrimental effects for generations to come.

I applaud your country for having strict punishments for criminals who poach giant clams. I urge you to ensure these poachers are penalized to the full extent of the law.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Bernard DUPONT