A methodology for recruiting a giant clam, Tridacna maxima, directly to natural substrata: A first step in reversing functional extinctions?

► Survival of 2- and 3-year-old T. maxima increased when protected in recruitment enclosures. ► Mortality of 1-year-olds was unacceptably high.► The duration of enclosure for all age classes was 18 days. ►Differences in survival between clams in experimental and control conditions were significant. ►Methods may aid in reversing the functional extinction of T. maxima in the Aitutaki lagoon.