Large scale village grow-out trials for giant clams

Coastal communities in developing countries tend to have low income expectations and few alternative opportunities to generate sustainable income. A series of six large-scale grow-out trials for giant clams destined to involve up to 20 villages spread across 500 km of Solomon Islands has been designed to obtain robust estimates of growth and mortality for giant clam species of interest to the aquarium industry and live seafood trade. The trials will also identify factors that can be manipulated to improve survival and growth of giant clams for village enterprises. In addition, the trials will also equip Solomon Islands village farmers with sound commercial experience in supplying an export market. The experience will enable them to evaluate propositions by a commercial giant clam hatchery.