About the consultation
We have received applications to include 6 species of giant clam (Tridacna crocea, Tridacna derasa, Tridacna gigas, Tridacna maxima, Tridacna squamosa and Hippopus hippopus) for commercial purposes on the Live Import List under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The applicant has prepared the reports against the Terms of Reference – Aquatic species.
The application is to include the species on the Live Import List, not just an individual animal. If listed, anyone can import the animal, subject to conditions.
How you can get involved
Read the consultation documents:
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna crocea (boring clam) [PDF 2.37MB]
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna crocea (boring clam) [DOC 162KB]
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna derasa (smooth giant clam) [PDF 4.26MB]
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna derasa (smooth giant clam) [DOC 318KB]
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna gigas (giant clam) [PDF 4.17MB]
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna gigas (giant clam) [DOC 318KB]
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna maxima (maxima clam) [PDF 4.17MB]
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna maxima (maxima clam) [DOC 316KB]
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna squamosa (fluted giant clam) [PDF 4.22MB]
Application terms of reference report – Tridacna squamosa (fluted giant clam) [DOC 317KB]
Application terms of reference report - Hippopus hippopus (horse hoof clam) [PDF 4.2MB]
Application terms of reference report - Hippopus hippopus (horse hoof clam) [DOCX 154KB]
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
All comments received will be provided to the applicant to address in finalising the assessment report. We will consider any relevant information and provide all comments to the Minister as part of the briefing package.
In inviting public comment, we would value commentary on the broader aspects of the applications or specific items such as:
Can these species breed with other species that may be present in Australia?
What diseases can these species carry or transmit and what diseases are they known to be susceptible to?
What impact may imported specimens have on the Australian environment, including native populations?
Finalised risk assessment reports may be published on our website. Comments received during this consultation process may be used and referenced in the final report. Comments will be attributed to organisations, not to individuals. If you wish your comments to remain confidential, you should clearly mark the relevant part(s) of your comments as ‘confidential’.
If it is not possible to meet the deadline, please contact exotic.species@dcceew.gov.au.
Send your comments
Responses must be submitted by COB 10 October 2025.
Email: exotic.species@dcceew.gov.au
Mail:
The Director
Live Import List and CITES Policy Section
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
GPO Box 3090
Canberra ACT 2601
Personal information collection
Personal information that you provide will only be used for these purposes. Personal information may be disclosed to the Minister for the Environment and Water, employees of their office, and employees of Australian Government agencies assisting the Minister.
Disclaimer
The applicant’s report addressing the Terms of Reference is circulated for public comment in compliance with section 303EF (2b) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the applicant and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government.
