Green tip: Educate visitors about live shelling

With more than 300 species of shells to explore, Lee County is often referred to as the shelling capital of North America. These treasures lure visitors from near and far, but it is important to remind them that taking live shells is illegal and very damaging to the environment.

To be specific, the harvesting and possession of live shellfish as well as sand dollars, sea stars and sea urchins is prohibited in Lee County. A first offense could result in a fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Yet, many visitors still aren’t aware of this rule and its consequences. Even if they aren’t caught in the act, the effect on the environment is serious and understanding just that would dissuade many from collecting live shells.

live cayenne keyhole limpet

dead cayenne keyhole limpet

“We’ve received a number of complaints from volunteers and visitors regarding the collection of live shells,” says Kathleen Hoover of The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum in Sanibel Island. Her solution is visitor education, beginning with a lesson about how to identify a live shell simply by using the senses of smell and sight.

If there is a foul odor coming from the shell, it is likely that the mollusk responsible for building the shell is no longer alive. Therefore, it is acceptable to take the shell. It is also effective to watch for movement by placing the shell in a pool of water. If there is movement, the specimen is surely alive and should be left to thrive in its natural habitat. Finally, if the specimen is a gastropod (a one-piece whorled shell), check to see if there is an operculum or trap door and if there is any movement, both of which indicate life.

Hoover also recommends reminding visitors about the joys of simply observing live shells. To do so safely, they should remember to put it back where it was found by gently placing it on the sea floor, not throwing it into the sea, which will cause injury and probably death. Gastropods should be placed with the aperture or opening down. If objects in the environment like rocks, or branches are moved during observation, they should also be put back into place.

Finally, recommend a trip to The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, where visitors can learn more about the shells they enjoy collecting and observing on the beach. For more information, visit www.shellmuseum.org.

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