CONDITION OF GIANT CLAM NATURAL POPULATION IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Giant clams (Tridacnidae) natural populations in many part of Indonesian coral reef ecosystems have been decreasing sharply. Although, the government of Indonesia have banned giant clams exploitation, the people from coastal area around the country, such as in Irian, Jepara, and Makasar, still use them as a source of food. building materials, household equipment and souvenir. The target species is not only large species, such as Tridacna gigas, T. derasa, T. squamosa, and Hippopus sp., but since they are getting harder to be found, the small species such as T. maxima and T. crocea have become the target as well. Considering this condition, restocking project need to be done in order to restoring giant clam natural populations and the Indonesian coral reef ecosystems.