Population dynamics of the giant clam Tridacna maxima at Rose Atoll
Radtke R. 1985. Population dynamics of the giant clam Tridacna maxima at Rose Atoll. University of Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. Honolulu, Hawaii
There is a paucity of knowledge on the population dynamics of the giant clams of the family Tridacnidae. Such information on population dynamics is necessary for responsible management and conservation of giant clam resources. In the present study data were analyzed to provide ecological information on the giant clam (Tridacna maxima) community in the undisturbed reef ecosystem of the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Data from field surveys, marking experiments and age determination studies were coupled to provide a model of population dynamics of an unperturbed giant clam community. This study includes information on growth, mortality and potential yield. The resultant information provides significant knowledge of giant clam ecology and will have a profound effect upon critical conservation decisions at local and world levels.