Research & Development
  • Giant clam      

    tonga_giantclam2_b1Giant clam seed propagation is one of the main activities of the Sopu Mariculture Centre operated by government.

    Clams raised at Sopu are sold to aquarium operators. There are five major marine ornamental exporters in Tonga.

    A resource enhancement programme is also under way, where juvenile seeds are distributed free of charge for grow-out in community farms.

    Species cultivated at the mariculture centre include Tridacna derasa, T. gigas, T. maxima, T. squamosa, T. tevoroa and Hippopus hippopus.