Giant clams in Sabah, particularly the largest species, Tridacna gigas, are effectively extinct in the wild due to intense pressure from human activities. Populations of three other large species, T. derasa, Hippopus hippopus, and H. porcellanus, are also threatened, and even smaller species are becoming less abundant.

The decline of giant clams in the wild is occurring at a faster rate than their natural replacement, resulting in just a few remaining specimens in small, protected areas. Without intervention, these species are unlikely to survive in the future.

Giant clams play a vital role in the reef ecosystem by adding calcium carbonate to the reef structure and helping to maintain clean water through their filtering activities. Their disappearance has negative implications for the health and balance of the marine environment.

The local communities living in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park heavily rely on seafood from the area for sustenance and livelihood. However, dwindling resources, the establishment of no-take zones limiting access, and a lack of sustainable alternative livelihoods have created hardships for these communities.

Insufficient incentives exist to encourage local resource users to change their behaviours towards conservation and away from environmentally damaging or unsustainable activities. This lack of motivation poses a significant barrier to controlling or limiting the extraction of giant clams and implementing effective conservation measures.