Genomic diversity and connectivity of small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) populations across the Cook Islands

Giant Clams have been extensively harvested across the Cook Island archipelago, resulting in declines in populations on accessible islands. Some more inaccessible islands have not been subject to harvesting and are therefore repositories of potential genetic diversity that could be useful in responding to climate change and oceanic warming. We aim to understand (i) background genetic diversity and species distribution across the archipelago; (ii) dispersal and recruitment of propagules across the archipelago; and (iii) the spatial, latitudinal and species-specific distribution of Symbiodiniaceae in the giant clams. This fundamental information will be valuable in planning species and symbiont translocations in response to oceanic warming.