Explorer Classroom
Shipwrecks and Shipworms
Grade / Age
Duration
Explorer Reuben Shipway will share tales of the shipworm, a wood-eating clam that plays an important role in the seas.
Credit: Reuben Shipway
Event Recording
About This Event
Legend has it that ancient mariners could put their ears to the hulls of their vessel and hear the sounds of shipworms eating away the vessel beneath their very feet! These notorious wood-eating clams destroyed Columbus’ fleet during his voyage to the New World and continue to change our history today as they eat through wooden archaeological treasures, like shipwrecks. However, these creatures play an important role in marine ecosystems. Explorer and marine biologist Reuben Shipway has set out to turn the tables on shipworms, which he has rebranded “naked clams,” by harnessing their power as a food source.
Featured Explorer
National Geographic Explorers are an international community of changemakers, who use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world, while inspiring the next generation to do the same.
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