2012. Review of Significant Trade - Cites

Tridacna spp.
Tridacna spp.: Solomon Islands
Tridacnidae, Giant clams.
Selection for Review of Significant Trade
At the 24 th meeting of the Animals Committee, it was agreed to include Tridacna spp. from
the Solomon Islands in the Review of Significant Trade as an urgent case (AC24 Summary
Record). The Secretariat was instructed to write to the Solomon Islands, requesting a) an
explanation of the information provided in 2004 which differed from published trade data,
b) updated information of captive-production facilities, and c) information on any recent
quantitative surveys conducted in the Solomon Islands for all six species (AC24 Summary
Record). By March 2011, no response had been received from the Solomon Islands
(AC25 Doc. 9.5) and, at the 25 th Animals Committee, Tridacna spp. from the Solomon Islands
was retained in the Review of Significant Trade process (AC25 Summary Record).
A. Summary
Overview of Tridacna spp. recommendations.
Species Provisional Summary
category
Tridacna
crocea
Possible
Concern
Considered widespread and possibly abundant, although recent surveys
indicate lower densities than previously reported. The trade and export of
wild-sourced specimens was reported to be prohibited, although trade in
high quantities was reported by importers during 2000-2004, with lower
numbers reported in more recent. While the impact of recent international
trade levels is likely to be small, it is not clear whether or not the provisions
of Article IV are being implemented and therefore categorised as Possible
Tridacna
derasa
Tridacna
gigas
Tridacna
maxima
Urgent
Concern
Possible
Concern
Least
Concern
Concern.
Limited distribution within the Solomon Islands and recent surveys found
depleted populations. It is the main species used in mariculture production
in the Solomon Islands. The trade and export of wild-sourced specimens
was reported to be prohibited, although high quantities of wild-sourced,
live specimens were reported by importers (e.g 7187 specimens in 2009),
and lower levels of trade in captive-bred and captive-born specimens. As
the impact of high levels of current international trade is not known but
status unfavourable, and no information was available on the
implementation of Article IV, categorised as Urgent Concern.
Previously widespread and abundant, however recent surveys indicate
depleted populations. Main threats include commercial and subsistence
harvesting. The trade and export of wild-sourced specimens was reported
to be prohibited, although low quantities of live wild-sourced specimens
was reported by importers 2000-2005 and trade in wild-sourced shells 2004-
2009 was reported. The impact of recent levels of international trade is not
known and it is not clear whether or not the provisions of Article IV are
being implemented, therefore categorised as Possible Concern.
Widespread in the Solomon Islands, one of the most common Tridacna
species in the country although recent surveys indicate lower densities than
previously reported. The trade and export of wild-sourced specimens was
reported to be prohibited, and no trade in wild-sourced specimens reported
since 2005. Therefore, on the basis of no anticipated trade in wild-sourced
specimens, categorised as Least Concern.
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