Collecting Ethics

Shell collectors often ask two questions related to shell collecting ethics. Does it harm shell populations to collect living mollusks? And just how much shell collecting is acceptable at any location.

Collecting living mollusks is acceptable if it is done in a responsible manner. Because shells rapidly deteriorate once the mollusk dies, it is necessary to collect live specimens in order to obtain the finest samples. There are, however, guidelines to follow in order to protect shell populations.

• Collect only what you need. Will collecting this shell enhance your collection or the collection of another shell enthusiast? Do not allow yourself to be caught up in the excitement of the moment and make poor choices about which shells you need to keep.
• Protect the shell population. Collect conservatively. Do not collect living juveniles. Do not take everything you find. Collect specimens only from areas where many of its kind are living. Select one or two representative specimens. Note: This applies also to group collecting. Everyone in a large group collecting one or two living shells has the same effect as one person taking a bucketful!
• Leave the habitat as undisturbed as possible. Return things to the way they were when you entered the habitat. For example, replace any rocks you turned over. Place the mollusks you decide not to keep back into the environment so they can recover and continue their life cycle.
• If collecting for scientific purposes, take careful notes regarding the environment and the behavior of the mollusk. The specimen has little scientific value without this information.
• Learn the local regulations. State and national parks, as well as marine preserves, generally have laws against taking live shells. Some states require a fishing license to collect live shells from public waters. Collecting commercially important species may have additional regulations governing when and where they can be collected and who can do the collecting. There are even regulations regarding the collection of dead shells. Be sure you know the requirements where you are collecting. And, be aware there may even be international regulations that could affect your collecting practices.
• Respect private property fronting the waters. The waters are public but the land often is not.
• Appreciate any gifts of nature that come your way. A living shell tossed ashore by waves is dying. There is little chance to return the animal to a habitat where it will recover. Hurling these shells into the ocean is not an effective method of returning them where they can recover! This process is the natural death process and provides the occasional opportunity for a lucky shell collector to add an especially nice shell to his or her collection.
• Recognize there are many reasons to collect. Aesthetics are what drive the interest in shells for many collectors. Choosing a shell because it would look great on your bookshelf or mantle can be a compelling reason for collecting it.

Collecting shells is enjoyable, whether pursued for scientific purposes or simply because shells are beautiful and appealing. Healthy mollusk populations can withstand the collection of a small portion of the living individuals. As responsible shell collectors, it is important to protect the natural habitats and populations of the shells we love by avoiding over collection and destructive collection practices.