I am afraid that I must come out of my lurking state in defense of our
dealers.  How a "Harmless" joke became an assault on our dealers is absolutely
amazing.  I know most of our shell dealers personally and hereby our testimony
to the honesty and integrity of the lot of them.  Yes, one in the past cheated
collectors among other things.  As a result he has been an outcast among many
of this group.  By and large the dealers are an honest lot, not just in their
business dealings, but also in regard to environmental law.  Aside from their
own consciences and personal integrity, it is the nature of the business that
requires such honesty and integrity.  Without such they would soon be out of
business.  I know of a couple of dealers who know longer carry certain
molluscan groups simply because they do not want to have problems with CITES
of the US Endangered Species Act.  I would list names of all the dealers I
know to be of such character but will refrain for two reasons:  1) the list
would include almost if not every dealer and 2) if I did make such a list I
would surely forget someone all to deserving of such recognition.  If someone
knows of a dealer who does not possess such character, then you should deal
with them personally, but please do attack dealers as a lot on this list.  I
do not see specimen dealers as an environmental problem.  The real
perpetrators are commercial shellers (not necessarily in regulated shell
industry, but maybe), etc. who rape the environment
of not even thousands, but perhaps millions of shell for the tourist industry,
(I find it hypocritical that one cannot collect Strombus gigas in Florida, but
you can buy as many as you desire at any tourist trap sign); overzealous
specimen collectors who have no concern for the environment (you know who you
are); and last, but certainly not least, those who collect in the name of
science, but rape whatever stream or habitat they are in at the moment to the
point that no one in the future could duplicate their surveys (yes, there are
unscrupulous scientists out there too.  I know three of them personally, and
no I will not share names with you; liability you know).
Recently, there was posted on this list the collection of thousands of Oliva
from a beach renourishment project (obviously) dead collected, the offer for
sale of a thousand Cypraea fultoni (later reported to be second rate
specimens, many of which were dead collected), and today the offer of a
thousand Cypraea leucodon which was an obvious joke which escaped the
sensibilities of those who just cannot loosen up.  No one is more concerned
about protecting the environment than I am, but I am really tired of knee jerk
reaction and legislation which does nothing to protect the environment, but
does make it more difficult for researchers to do their job.  Please, please,
please share your concerns and convictions for conservation and preservation,
but do not accuse anyone on this list of such "crimes against the environment"
in this forum.  Anyone on or off this list who has committed such crimes
should be tried in a court of law and not on this list.  It is not that I am
opposed to their exposure, but I am opposed to the lumping together of
innocents in any kind of inquisition, no matter how noble the cause and
intent.  Please, let us try to be more tolerant of each other.  I am sorry
this is so long, but I will climb down from my soap box now.
 
Doug Shelton
Alabama Malacological Research Center
2370-G Hillcrest Road #236
Mobile, AL 36695