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Millions of clams wash up on Plett beach


More than 11. 5 million clams have washed up on Robberg Beach at Plettenberg Bay.

Nelson Mandela University marine researcher Gwenyth Penry says the clams first started washing up a week ago.

Dr Penry says the number of clams they have been counting equates to about 100 tons of clam meat.

She says over the last few years it has become a regular occurrence and Kyle Smith, who is a Marine scientist from SANParks suggested they start collecting data.

The objective would be to determine why and how it happens and how many clams are washing up on the beach.

They also check for other animals who might be utilising the extra source of protein that is suddenly available.

Penry says even though they are not 100% sure as to why this happens, they do believe that strong easterly winds are to blame.

She says there were three days of strong onshore winds, which are very disruptive, turning up the seabeds and changing the water's temperature in the process.