Tivela stultorum (Pismo Clam)
Credit: Mike Dawson
about the species
Tivela stultorum, commonly known as the Pismo clam, is a large bivalve native to sandy beaches of California and Baja California. It lives buried in the intertidal zone, where it filter-feeds on plankton and contributes to coastal nutrient cycling. Historically important to subsistence and recreational harvest, Pismo clam populations experienced significant declines in the twentieth century, with ongoing recovery and management efforts in California.
why species was selected
Pismo clam was selected because of its conservation history, ecological role, and management relevance. Genomic data can inform population structure, recovery potential, and connectivity among beaches, providing insights to support long-term conservation and sustainable management of sandy beach species.
