Giant Clam

Giant clams are a delicacy in American Samoa and its culture is an important issue due to the depletion of wild stocks. Little has been conducted in American Samoa. Construction of a giant clam hatchery in Alao village is nearly completed and is projected to begin spawning trials by late 2006. The hatchery, owned and operated by the non-profit organization called Native Resources Developer Inc., is expected to provide seed clams for grow out purposes in villages on Tutuila and Manuae. The majority of these clams will be sold to the aquarium industry. The remaining seed clams will be raised for food or used to re-stock depleted coral reefs throughout the Territory.