Current and Potential Markets for Giant Clam Meat in Fiji - A Case Study of the Market in Suva

Among a variety of shellfish and sea molluscs, giant clams (Tridacna spp.) have provided an important source of food to the people of the maritime Islands of the South Pacific. However, as a result of increased harvesting, stocks have declined rapidly with some species almost becoming extinct in certain parts of the Western Pacific Ocean (such as Tridacna gigas) with others being endangered. With the possible threat of their becoming extinct, international trade in giant clams has been banned in many countries, including Fiji. . On the other hand efforts have been made to mariculture giant clam in the hope to restock some of the heavily exploited areas, and also to introduce clams in other new areas in order to provide a continued subsistence supply and also to possibly establish commercial farming. Successful implementation of commercial clam culture will depend a lot on the effective demand for the product in the domestic and international market. Studies have been carried out in various countries including Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan and USA on the market prospects for giant clams (Shang et al. 1991). The current study also aims to focus on the current status and the future prospects for market of giant clams in Fiji