Marlie Langer | Head Editor
March 13, 2026
Right here in our very own county, Marine Biologist Nancy Caruso started what is known as Get Inspired, a project that aims to inspire freethinking, science-minded stewards who will make conscious choices to protect and conserve our planet. Get Inspired has been working on many restoration projects such as restoring our local kelp forests, repopulating white sea bass, raising green abalone, and studying and restoring Pismo clams.
Here at San Clemente High School in room P-35, Mrs. Brislen has been working alongside Caruso to learn all they can about Pismo clams. These clams used to be very abundant along the coast of Newport to Long Beach, in fact they were so abundant that there would be hundreds of people along the beach raking for these delicious clams! However, this seemingly harmless tradition has led to the massive population decline in Pismo clams. Although the exact population number is not fully known, it is very apparent that the number of clams found while raking has decreased significantly. Not much is known about these clams but Caruso and her team are determined to learn as much as they can about them in order to restore them to their full potential.
Get Inspired is the first program in the world to look into researching and restoring Pismo clams. In an interview with Caruso, she emphasized how “every living thing has a role to play on the planet,” and that it is very important for our planet to “[maintain] our biodiversity.” Essentially, we must do everything we can to keep our ecosystems alive and thriving, which seems to be a concept not everyone can grasp. Pismo clams play an important role as filter feeders, filtering up to 40 gallons of water per day. They stabilize the sand they live in and are an essential food source for many animals–especially our local stingrays!
Even though very little is known about these clams, Caruso is working across three different schools to find out their ideal living conditions and daily habits. SCHS senior Cara Gerfin described having to “test the pH levels of nitrate and nitrite, KH, salinity and ammonia levels” in order to provide a “stable healthy environment” for the clams. She continued on explaining that they feed them “frozen plankton” as their main food source, adding that they thoroughly sanitize everything in order to not put the clams at risk of any sort of harm. Thanks to a few SCHS students, we are learning more and more about Pismo clams and their significance in the environment everyday.
This is an amazing opportunity for students and adults alike to give back after taking from our planet for too long.
If you or anyone you know are interested in volunteering to help restore our local marine ecosystems and truly just want to help our beautiful planet thrive and flourish visit getinspiredinc.org for more information!
Leave a Reply