Seashells on the Seashore
Kiera O'Neill
If you have ever visited a beach, you have probably taken a seashell at some point. Have you ever thought of what that can do to the ecosystem? By removing shells from beaches, it could damage ecosystems, and endanger organisms that need the shells to survive. Sea shells provide material to make nests for birds, an attachment for algae, shelter for hermit crabs, and as a hideout for fish.
Researchers have found that when tourism increases at beaches, the number of shells then decreases. This can lead to a decline in the overall health of the beach. One research group, studied the coast of Spain's north-eastern shore, where they conducted monthly data research of seashell abundance between the years of 1978 and 1981. They found that throughout the years, tourism had increased by 300% in the area, while seashells had decreased by 60%. This shows that the behavior of humans impacted the decline in seashells. Shells break down, and provide essential nutrients to organisms that live in the sand. If tourists remove shells, there is an increase on beach erosion, a drop in biodiversity of animals and plants that depend on shells, and a decline in calcium carbonate from recycled shells.
Shells play an important role in the ecology of all beaches and oceans. Once removed, some marine life is greatly impacted, left without shelter and protection from predators and wave exposure. By removing the spiral shells that hermit crabs house in, they have to find new shelter, living in toxic plastic waste. These items don't fit the curvature of their bodies and make it uncomfortable and potentially dangerous to their living conditions. Other than hermit crabs being affected, shells also provide shelter or an attachment for microorganisms. Crabs, octopuses, and fish also use shells to protect themselves from predators.
In Costa Rica, it is illegal to remove seashells from all beaches, unless the collector has a permit. Although many get away with it, if put in carry on bag and it is searched by security, it can be confiscated. In Florida, a tourist was sent to prison for trying to take seashells from the beach. In Florida it is illegal to take conch shells if they are still living. The tourist was found guilty and spent 15 days in prison and had a fine of $500. The tourist was traveling from Dallas and had intended on taking the shells to give as gifts back home. This is an ongoing problem with tourism as many are uninformed of the laws where they are travelling. By doing an act they think is harmless, they then face the consequences. Some people are taking actions to inform people how to collect seashells in an eco-friendly manner. Some tips are: Don't take anything that is alive, any large shells or spiral shells, and to take less if you must.
Questions:
1. Have you ever taken shells from the beach?
2. What can we do to help minimize this problem?
3. Were you aware of the effects taking shells from the beach has on the environment?
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/19/shells-beach-decline-ecosystem-marine-life
https://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/7135/20140519/removal-of-seashells-from-the-seashore-could-damage-ecosystem.htm
https://costa-rica-guide.com/practical/tips/shell-game/
https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/6828161/tourist-jailed-collecting-seashells-florida-beach-key-west/
https://www.travel4wildlife.com/ethical-shell-collecting-guide/
https://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/7135/20140519/removal-of-seashells-from-the-seashore-could-damage-ecosystem.htm
https://costa-rica-guide.com/practical/tips/shell-game/
https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/6828161/tourist-jailed-collecting-seashells-florida-beach-key-west/
https://www.travel4wildlife.com/ethical-shell-collecting-guide/
18 comments:
I have taken shells from the beach, and after reading this post, I know to never take them again. Clearly, this is a problem, and there needs to be restrictions on these actions. While there are some government regulations, on most beaches there are none (or there is no indication of any on the beach itself). With more government regulation, less shells will be taken, and this can drastically improve the environment around them. More people also need to be aware of the effects of taking shells, which could help reduce the negative effects as they can avoid taking them. Whether they are abandoned or not, taking them clearly has adverse effects, and I was never aware of these until I read this post.
I always took shells from the beach as a kid, but now know not to. I was unaware of the impact little things such as shells would have on the ecosystem but seeing how common this action is, I think it should be more advertised. Most beaches have no regulations against taking shells and their environment will continue to degragate. While beaches should be encouraged to place regulations against taking shells, I think advertising ways to take shells without harming the environment such as only taking small and few with no living organisms will have a greater impact as people will be aware of the problem and can contribute to reduce the issue.
I personally never understood the allure behind taking seashells from the beach, so this is shocking to me that it is so common that it has became an issue. This is the sort of thing that nobody would ever think would be an issue, so beach conservation agencies to act quickly to let people know this is an issue. If it is not put in front of peoples faces that this needs to stop, it won’t get fixed, and our beaches will have yet another issue to deal with.
I enjoyed taking shells from the beach as a child, but after reading this article I know not to now. I was unaware of this issue of how damaging this seemingly harmless act actually is. Since many of us probably have taken shells from beaches, there should be a more adequate means of telling people to not do this. The state governments should enact more laws, as well as physically display that people should not remove seashells. Letting people understand the consequences behind taking seashells is important, as many of us do not know of them.
I was rather surprised reading that places like Florida and Costa Rica have strict punishments for taking seashells. It seems like a harmless and frequent occurrence, so I had never thought about seashells as an issue or a vital part of an ecosystem. I think this is a problem largely just because of the unawareness. If everyone assumes it is harmless, then just because it is done in such great quantity, it will of course be an issue. If there was more awareness enforced either by state governments or local authority, it seems like a simple problem to stop.
I personally have never takes shells from the beach, but I know people that have. I also agree that very few people know about this problem because I see people take shells all the time when I go to a beach. To easily minimize the problem, every beach should have a sign saying not to take any shells because it harms the environment. That way, people will be discouraged from taking shells.
I knew how taking shells could impact hermit crabs, but did not realize other fish used them as protection as well. I agree that the reason why people take shells is because they are poorly informed. Simple solutions can fix this problem. One solution could be to post signs throughout the beach warning not to take seashells and that it is illegal in some places. Additionally, media coverage over this issue can help. New reporters could report on it on air and journalists could try exposing this problem through their articles. We can also post pictures and articles on social media to raise awareness.
I have taken shells from the beach, but I never knew of the consequences or punishments from doing this in certain places. My mind never connected seashells to being an important factor of the ocean ecosystem. My family and I simply had no idea that this was an issue to begin with. This means that a lot of other people most likely did not know that doing this harmed the environment which is a huge problem that needs to be fixed. There needs to be more awareness about this issue in order to stop the problem. Signs and programs or even infomercials could be used to deter people from taking shells from beaches.
It surprised me that shells are so essential to ocean's ecosystems. In fact, I think the best way to prevent this from happening is simply educating the public, as so many do not know the consequences of taking shells away from beaches. I think the whole world should adapt from Costa Rica; collecting shells should be illegal unless done with a permit.
I have taken shells from the beach, but from seeing this post, I will be more cautious of the environment and stop touching the shells. I never heard of this issue which is pretty uncommon to me. To minimize this problem, the beach conservation agencies should create a regulation to protect this shells from physical contact. This will help the environment and people will be aware of this shells issue.
This topic definitely hits hard for me due to the fact I used to gather shells at the beach filling buckets to their brim. I guess learning to better yourself requires learning to accept your own misunderstandings. It is of significant importance to inform people of this issue due to the fact that is almost culture to pick up seashells and it will continue to be passed on in families if the idea is not brought up. Even though one person gathering shells won't do much, if this is continued by the billions on the planet, the effects on the ecosystem will prove to be detrimental.
Yes, I have taken shells from the beach. Whenever I go to the beach I always take shells home as a souvenir. One thing that we can do to minimize this problem would be to stop taking shells from the beach, or leaving ones that look habitable to snails and crabs. No, I was not aware of the effects on taking shells from the beach.
I have taken many shells from the beach without ever realizing the impact I would be making on the environment. I never realized that taking one shell could lead to such great consequences. The easiest way to minimize this problem is by informing the public, but another way could be to put regulations and follow in Costa Rica's footsteps.
I have taken many shells from the beach with our even realizing the impact that I am causing.we can help minimize this problem by not taking the shells because it is a great hazard and people should be informed about this and should be a huge fine or law placed on not taking these shells.i was not aware of the effects of taking shells from the beach.
I have taken many shells from the beach. As a child, one of the joys of going to the beach was the time I would spend scavenging the shore for shells. Since this is common among most people, we can begin by regulating this issue with government policies that prevent business. Finally, signs would generate awareness for citizens. I was actually shocked to realize what effect my childhood pastime has on the environment. Believed to be a harness pastime, collecting shells should be limited.
I’ve always collected seashells and ive never considered that it could have such a large affect not he environment. Since its so meaningless for me to collect its better from me to leave the shells alone. If billions of people stopped collecting seashells we as a race could finally do a simple thing to help the environment.
It’s unbelievable how important sea shells are! Unfortunately i am guilty of taking sea shells from beaches. In order to minimize/ solve this problem I believe we should create signs that a rule prohibiting the taking of seashells. Moreover we should inform others of the importance of seashells; how it provides shelter for microorganisms and calcium carbonate for organisms that live in the sand. This is not my first time hearing about the problem of tourism ruining ecosystems, especially beaches which is very saddening. In all honesty I did not know how essential seashells are but through this blog I have learned about their importance.
I'm ashamed to say I never considered the importance of seashells and what they provide to the ocean. I think providing education about the importance of them, as well as putting forth regulations and going in Costa Rica's direction is also important to reduce the pillaging of seashells.
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