In recent decades, there has been a steady decline of the Manila clam on the tidal flats of the Lummi Reservation near Bellingham, Washington. The loss of this important food source affects the tribal food security and sovereignty of the Lummi people. A research team from Washington’s Northwest Indian College and Oregon State University have determined two main causes for the population decline. The decreases are caused by changes in the clam’s food supply and a toxic sulfur compound that forms on tidal flats. The team and Northwest Indian College students are analyzing clam feeding patterns to more effectively preserve this food supply.

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