What I missed out... :(

After a string of low tide trips and an overseas voyage with my Twin, I decided to spend my weekend reading up some articles and blogs. (Well, considering that I also sprained my back and almost spent 80% of my weekend on bed, I suppose the only plausible thing to do was to read.)

Last Friday, 15 October 2010, was declared "Blog Action Day" with the theme of Water. People around the world made the effort to blog about water. Two of my friends, Ria and Debby both contributed a post about Singapore wild shores and coral reefs!


Both Ria and Debby are not only passionate nature enthusiasts, they are active voices in our local field in promoting marine conservation in Singapore. In their posts, they shared their own experiences and love for our local diversity, expressing their views on knowledge empowerment.


There were others who contributed to the "Blog Action Day" such as the following:

• Blog Action Day – The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve from Bird Ecology Study Group.
• Lost in the Clouds - Blog Action Day 2010 "Water" from The Biology Refugia.
• Low Cost Methods of Water Purification from EcoWalkthetalk.
  
• Blog Action Day 人人参与，保护水资源Secure our water needs everybody's participation from PurpleMangrove.
  
• Confession of a former plastic bottle junkie from News from the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore.

Article Alert!

While surfing through the Web of Science for inspiration and motivation (mostly for my thesis), I came across this article that deals with microbial toxicology. Apparently, after a severe ciguatera fish poisoning, the giant clams (Tridacna maxima) were found to contain traces of the toxic cyanobacteria. Gasp!!

Wow... It is known that giant clams are filter feeders of the coral reefs, and like any other filter feeding bivalves, it is possible that toxic compounds (such as copper and other heavy metal ions) can accumulate within the organs of the giant clams. It is probably one of the few records that consumption of giant clams can lead to poisoning by the cyanobacteria!


Although giant clams are not consumed in large numbers as before by the Pacific Islanders, there is still much to know about the eco-toxicological properties from giant clams. To date, only a handful of studies have focused on the possible toxic effects of consuming giant clams unknowingly. This is to inform everyone that it is alright to consume these iconic reef invertebrates but be careful for your own health!