Sunlight, symbiosis, and sustainable seafood | Gerald Heslinga | TEDxKamuela

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Across the tropical Asia-Pacific region, a race is underway to breed endangered giant clams and save them from extinction. Part plant, part animal, powered by the sun and algal symbiosis, these reef-dwelling molluscs bend the rules of biology, producing edible protein with astonishing efficiency. Harvested since prehistoric times for their meat and shells, today they face new threats from poachers and growing populations. Marine farming, or mariculture, is making a difference. In this presentation Gerald Heslinga, the father of giant clam farming, will explain where it began, why it matters, and how it is being achieved, with highlights from his latest book, entitled Saving Giants. Gerald Heslinga has spent over 30 years developing the sustainable production of endangered coral reef species, heart-healthy seafoods, and marine ornamental organisms through mariculture. Educated at Harvard and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Gerald has worked professionally in 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region -- for universities, governments, private industry and international agencies. Gerald and his wife Kyoko live in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, where they have owned and operated Indo-Pacific Sea Farms since 1995. They have two married daughters and a very active grandson. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)