>> 1) How do U.S. dive boat captains react to shellers? Are there general
>> suggestions for finding boats where shelling is welcome or ways to avoid
>> those where it is not? Not well. We have been kicked off of several
boats
>> for collecting. Contact boat captain ahead of time and convince him that
>> you are a scientific collector and are interested in preserving the
>> environment and will not overcollect, etc.
Well, I have noticed here in Australia (this is in my own experience) just
about every dive instructor and dive company that I have been around, seems
to be leaned towards the anti-collection side of life. I have found that if
you let them know your intent (like you are a serious collector and
understand limited numbers etc) they are a little less of a bother and
usually they let you know that your collecting should not really be noticed
by anyone else. Also, if they are aware that you are a real collector and
there is not a specified dive location they will try to get you to a zone
where it is legal to collect. BUT overall they don't seem to like people to
be collecting bits and peices just for the sake of a souvenire.