Palau also has a large and apparently successful facility for the
propagation of Tridacna for food and restocking. Some of the restuarants
serve it, but I was never able to get any because it goes quickly.  I must
say that I watched a fellow cleaning some one day and this also contributed
to the loss of appeal.  The facility is on the south tip of Koror.  Tours
can be prearranged.  It's worth a stop if you're ever in the neighborhood.
 
Kurt
 
At 09:49 AM 5/29/98 -1000, you wrote:
>Yes, all the Tridacnidae are on the endangered list internationally, and
>the U.S. supports that and prohibits import.  There are exceptions for
>molluscs grown in aquaculture.  There are a number of places that can
>export them under this exception, including the Solomon Islands which
>advertises them on a home page.  There are a growing number of places
>that grow them commercially for food, with a portion set aside to
>restock the reefs.
>
>While some species are seen in normal quantity in some places, there are
>many places where they have been reduced to near extinction.  Caused by
>collection for local food, and collection by outsiders for export of
>food, and some shells.  Palau is a good example of the over collection
>by commercial outsiders.
>
>The Philippines which prohibits export of all Tricdacnas still allows
>exceptions for exports under some controls, but they want to see that
>all benefits come to Philippinos.
>
>Aloha,
>
>Wes
>