The International Union for Conservation of Nature has recently updated and expanded upon the conservation status of the known species of giant clam (Bivalvia: Tridacninae). Each of the twelve species was given a designation of Data Deficient, Least Concern, Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered. Currently, the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is also considering the listing of ten of these species as Endangered or Threatened and creating appropriate protective regulations under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Giant clams are aquacultured at various locations across the tropical Indo-Pacific region. Many of these captively-reared clams are used in re-stocking efforts where natural populations have experienced declines. And these, along with clams collected from the wild, are commonly exported/traded as food and as live specimens within the global marine aquarium hobby/industry.
However, these changes in conservation status may have a profound effect on their use, trade, and aquaculture. These recent conservation status updates, pending updates, and their possible effects will be presented.