Can you take shells from the beach? Is it bad to take shells from the sea? They are questions I often hear. The answer may surprise you, but, leaving seashells where they are is actually one of the easiest ways to protect marine life and make a small contribution to saving our oceans.
Let’s talk about seashell souvenirs. Those large conch shells, a picture frame decorated with shells, or one of those pretty seashell necklaces… We have all seen them, right? And most of us have probably bought or received a seashell souvenir at least once.
But did you know that these shells are often harvested with living animals still inside of them? And this is just one of many reasons why seashells belong on the beach, and not in our homes.
You might be wondering: what’s wrong with taking just one shell? What difference does it really make? Well, it can make a world of difference.
Depending on the shell you take, you could be robbing an animal of a home, building material, food or even disturbing an entire ocean ecosystem.
Here are a few reasons why you should leave seashells where they are:
- It robs a sea creature of a home/shelter. Let’s say you find a pretty spiral shell on the beach, and you decide to take it home with you. Sure, they are beautiful, but did you know that hermit crabs depend on empty spiral shells for their survival? These sea creatures need to move homes when they get too big for their current shell. If they can’t find a larger one, they’ll die from exposure or get gobbled up by a predator.
- Small fish and octopus also use shells for shelter and protection. Imagine what would happen if we continued to rob ocean animals of the tools they need for their survival. And it’s not just to protect marine life. A large number of birds use parts of seashells to build nests.
- It Can Affect the Ocean’s Ecosystems & Increase Shoreline Erosion. The ocean supports many delicate ecosystems. If one thing is out of balance, the results can be devastating. For example, some experts say the removal of shells can impact shoreline erosion patterns. This could have dire effects on coastal populations, especially in combination with global warming and rising sea levels.
- Not only that, but every shell performs some ecological role. For example, the queen conch helps keep the Caribbean’s waters clean and provides food for animals like the loggerhead sea turtle and nurse shark.
Yes, you can make a difference and help protect marine life.
I know, those few shells you decide not to take won’t save the planet. The same way those few plastic straws you decide not to use won’t save the planet. But it’s not just you. Together it adds up. It could very well be that shell you decide to leave on the beach that becomes the perfect home for a hermit crab or the essential shelter for those baby fish.
Leave seashells where they belong and help make more people aware of how easily they can make a difference.
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