Next in popularity are the smallest giant clam, Tridacna maxima , and the Tridacna crocea , with its corrugated shell. This clam farm has been able to support itself for many years. So, we'll have to send out the other half next week. The meaty mollusks' popularity among Asian diners also is driving market growth. Palau's recent increase of visitors from Taiwan has whetted Taiwanese appetites for clam sashimi and other such dishes served up at many of Palau's seafood restaurants.
Japan continues to be the leading clam meat importer, but orders from Taiwan have begun to pick up.
The center also sells clams to a number of Pacific Island nations including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Fiji and the Solomon Islands, which are trying to restore natural populations of the endangered species. The mariculture center operates with full convention endorsement. Palau's wild clams cannot be exported. Faced with the possible loss of a link in the marine ecosystem and an important source of food, island nations have tried various ways of replenishing their clam stocks. In Tonga, mature clams are placed in circles in the shallow waters near some villages.