Shell collecting laws

[greg]

I had shells that I found on the beach confiscated by Costa Rican customs as i was leaving there.

[sunshine]

Hi Tom
We have no laws regarding empty shells collected from New Zealand beaches.

[david touitou]

Hello All,

Many countries protect marine living animals ans especially shells, corals,... which is a good thing for the worldwide nature. But laws vary a lot from one country to one other.
A worldwide rule though is that shelling is forbidden while scuba. Martinique, shelling is possible, Guadeloupe too but Reunion island no (even if all of them are French departments).
Always be careful ! I kow one who have been is jail in Solomons and they burnt his collected shells (<i>aurantium</i>,...).
Often "locals" do no like when some collect in their country and
can go to see the police/customs...

Bye
DAVID

[marlo]

We try to maintain a list, but not many participants provide information.

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[brambio]

Twelve mollusc species have got protection status under some legislation in Indonesia. Recently, their existences in Indonesia waters are progressively difficult to be found.
See the table below for complete list:
[img width=640 height=267]http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad301/9b4ll/kerang/dilindungi.jpg[/img]

[Bart]

The number of countries (or areas) where shelling is prohibited grows and grows. As far as I have heard: a "true"  shellcollector only collects what he or she needs. In many areas the local people destroy their own reefs looking for shells and corals...