A marine scientist is urging caution over the harvesting of giant clams from Manuae in the Cook Islands.
The island, which lies 100 kilometres south-east of Aitutaki, is the last haven for giant clams in the Southern Cooks.
RNZ Pacific understands about eight-thousand giant clams are to be harvested and taken to Rarotonga to sell during the annual constitution celebrations.
Charley Waters has spent about 15 years researching and working to restore giant clam populations in the Aitutaki lagoon.
Speaking from the US, Dr Waters told Amelia Langford that any harvest needs to be offset by replenishment.
