The mangrove clam Anodontia edentula is highly prized in thePhilippines for its flavor and large size. Because this infaunal species isfound down to one meter deep in mangrove areas, harvesting the clam reportedlydamages mangrove stands. To evaluate such reports, a survey of collectionmethods was undertaken in Panay and Guimaras, central Philippines in August1997–December 1999. Host to chemosynthetic bacterial symbionts thatutilize sulfide as energy source, A. edentula are strategically situated insulfide-rich anoxic substrates but also gain access to oxygenated seawaterthrough a ventilation burrow or tube. By locating the opening of this burrow,collectors can detect the presence of a buried clam and harvest itnondestructively with a blade or bare hands. In contrast, the indiscriminatetilling of wide mangrove areas can damage mangrove plants. Most collectors were40–45 years old with 22–30 years collection experience, married with5–7 children, and had low educational attainment. They sold clams directlyin the local markets or through middlemen (to restaurants and beach resorts);sales provided from 10% to 100% of daily family income. Collectors complained ofdecreasing clam sizes and numbers and the physically strenuous work ofcollecting.