A Giant Clam in the Cook Islands Photo: Georgia Langdon
The Cook Islands government has warned against a planned harvest of giant clams from the uninhabited Manuae Island.
The Island, which lies 100 kilometres south-east of Aitutaki, is the last haven for giant clams in the Southern Cook Islands.
The Ministry of Marine Resources opposes the harvest which has been sanctioned by the Aitutaki Island Council.
RNZ Pacific understands about 8,000 giant clams will be harvested and taken to Rarotonga to sell during the annual Constitution Celebrations.
Money raised is expected to help cover costs for the Aitutaki team performing at the celebrations.
Marine Resources Acting Secretary George Matutu has pointed out to the Aitutaki Island Council that Manuae stocks are showing signs of being overharvested and removing 8,000 clams from the island's lagoon will mean the supply is unlikely to recover.
The Manuae harvest is also opposed by environmental advocacy groups and some scientists.
The southern island of Aitutaki once boasted vast stocks of giant clams which are now virtually non-existent due to overharvesting.
