Tapping the Shells
Clams are a type of edible shellfish found in coastal waters and are prized for their tender, slightly sweet, and briny flavor. Rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12, clams are a nutritional powerhouse, making them a popular choice in global cuisine.
Their versatility in dishes such as chowders, pasta, and steamed seafood platters has driven the demand for clams across the world, particularly in regions like Europe, North America, and Asia. With increasing awareness of sustainable seafood sourcing and the growing demand for healthy, nutritious food options, the global market for clams continues to rise, positioning them as a high-value commodity in the seafood industry. Do you want to hear about our mouth-watering clam recipe. Click here
Baby clams are a nutritious delicacy with a soft, sweet flavor that has been enjoyed in various cuisines worldwide. These mollusks are rich in essential nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B12, making them a highly beneficial food source. With low fat and cholesterol content, clams are ideal for those seeking heart-healthy options.
Studies have shown that consuming clams helps improve muscle function, promotes heart health, and boosts cognitive function due to their high content of vitamins and minerals.
Where Baby Clams Thrive
Clams are only found in delta regions, where rivers meet the sea, creating an ideal environment for their propagation. Trincomalee, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic coastal towns, is blessed with the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest river, which originates in the heart of the island. The river flows through rich, mineral-laden lands, collecting nutrients along its path, and finally meets the Bay of Bengal at Trincomalee.
This unique geographical setup creates an optimal breeding ground for clams. Clams life begins as free-swimming larvae before settling into the sandy or muddy seabed, where they burrow and grow, protected by their hard shell.
In optimal conditions, clams continue to filter feed on plankton and nutrients, thriving in the nutrient-rich environments such as estuaries and deltas where freshwater meets the sea, like in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Proper water quality and minimal environmental stressors are crucial to the longevity of clams, making sustainable harvesting essential for ensuring their populations endure.
The nutrient-rich waters of the Mahaweli River nurture the clams, providing them with the minerals and trace elements essential for growth. This delta ecosystem plays a critical role in sustaining clam populations, making Trincomalee a hotspot for clam harvesting.
Nutritional Facts about Clams
Clams are packed with essential nutrients, making them a superfood of the sea. A 100-gram serving of clams typically contains around 25 grams of protein, a significant portion of omega-3 fatty acids, and high levels of vitamins such as B12, iron, and selenium.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Good for heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Vitamin B12: Vital for red blood cell formation and brain health.
- Iron: Important for carrying oxygen in the blood, supporting energy levels.
- Low in Calories and Fat: Ideal for those following calorie-conscious diets.
The Economic Reality
Women Clam Collectors_ The Bread winners of the family
In Trincomalee, clam harvesting is predominantly managed by women who support their families through this physically demanding work. These women, many of whom are the primary breadwinners of their households. These women venture to the riverbed early in the morning, especially during low tide, when the water recedes due to the gravitational pull of the moon. This natural occurrence exposes the rich clam beds, allowing the women to harvest the clams by hand. They skillfully dig through the muddy riverbeds, collecting the clams, which are then taken home for processing.
After gathering the clams, they clean them thoroughly and prepare them for market, often boiling or steaming them to remove any impurities. Despite the hard work and skill involved, these women often face challenges in receiving fair compensation for their efforts, middlemen often exploit these women, offering low prices that barely cover their living expenses. This economic hardship has led to systemic issues in the local clam industry, with families struggling to send their children to school and improve their living standards.
Ocean Gates
Ocean Gates, a forward-thinking Sri Lankan startup company, recognized the struggles of these women and the untapped potential of the clam industry. As a team of passionate young food science graduates, Ocean Gates was founded with the vision of not only commercializing clams but also empowering the local community.
Ocean Gates directly sources its clams from the women clam collectors, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their hard work. This direct trade model eliminates the need for middlemen, providing the collectors with decent pay while promoting sustainable harvesting practices. In addition to fair compensation, Ocean Gates has committed to reinvesting in the local community.
Five percent of every bottle of clams sold goes towards funding educational initiatives for the families of the clam collectors. This contribution helps ensure a brighter future for their children, breaking the cycle of poverty that has long plagued this hardworking community.
Sustainable Harvesting for a Greener Future
Ocean Gates prides itself on sustainable harvesting practices that protect the delicate ecosystem of the Mahaweli River and Trincomalee Bay. By working closely with local collectors and regulating the number of clams harvested, Ocean Gates ensures the long-term viability of clam populations. Their approach balances economic development with environmental preservation, providing a model for other seafood industries to follow.
Bottled Clams with a Twist of Coconut Vinegar
Our bottled clams bring you the perfect blend of ocean freshness and tangy zest, preserved in natural sea salt and coconut vinegar. Each bottle captures the unique taste of clams, sustainably harvested from the pristine waters of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. The infusion of coconut vinegar gives the clams a subtle, refreshing tang that enhances their natural flavor, while sea salt preserves their tender texture.
Our clams offer an unmatched burst of ocean flavor that’s both delicious and healthy. Buy Now. For export inquiries, please click here or WhatsApp Us.
A Bright Future for Clams and the Community Ocean Gates is transforming the clam industry in Trincomalee through its innovative business model and commitment to sustainability. By creating a commercial product from a natural resource while uplifting the local community,they are showing how
