Fadiouth, Senegal on the Atlantic coast of West Africa is unique in that the community was built on top of centuries of accumulations of small, discarded salt-water clam shells.  The clams also helped build the economy of the island.  They are one of several salt-water clams, mollusks and whelks that are harvested, dried and sold to be transported all over the country to coastal and inland towns and village markets.  Just one or two small chunks of these dried ocean-water meats provide that hard-to-recreate subtle 'flavoring' to traditional dishes and more importantly add critical minerals and nutrients that people need to be healthy, that can't be found inland.  TIPTOPduTOP. 2023