Don's right - it was a slightly self-righteous "farang" (as foreigners are
called in Thailand), not a local.

I'm not questioning the right of countries to set their own rules - and, as
a visitor, it's only sensible to abide by them, even if sometimes slightly
strange - I've also come across "protected marine areas" where collecting
dead shells seems to be forbidden, while taking live fish and lobsters is
allowed.

But I'm a bit concerned that in the western world disapproval and local
prohibition of shell-collecting is on the increase even in situations where
there appears to be no rational basis for a ban; and this is why I think
it's worth investigating the effects of collection so that we can change our
actions voluntarily where there is good reason to change, and argue against
bans if there is evidence that there is no good reason for them.

Bas

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Barclay" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 7:01 AM
Subject: Re: Effects of collecting shells from beaches


> Very Interesting.  I just read up on Bokissa, sounds like a beautiful
> place.  You can hike through the jungle, catch fish from shore or
> from a boat (not catch and release), and they encourage you to catch
> your own lobster for dinner.  Just don't pick up dead shells off the
> beach, eh?
>
> I could be wrong, but I'd guess you weren't challenged by a local.
> I have been challenged on South Pacific beaches about a dozen
> times, although I wouldn't have gone to any place that called itself
> an "Eco Island" simply because I would figure it's strictly managed
> by foreigners with their own "laws."   I've been challenged by two
> Americans, one Australian, one guy from England, and about eight
> or nine New Zealanders.  The Americans explained to me how it
> was morally wrong, the Aussie told me I needed a permit, the Brit
> told me I'd be arrested when I tried to board the plane with shells,
> and the Kiwis told me it was absolutely illegal, without exception.
> If you try to tell them you know the local laws, and are complying
> with them, a few will back off, but some will try to make your life
> difficult.  It's probably better to keep a low profile, just to avoid
> the hassle, and familiarize yourself with the real laws before you
> go to one of the islands to collect shells.  Very few of the island
> countries have strict collection rules, and most of them only con-
> cern the commercial species (Charonia tritonis, Cassis cornuta,
> Trochus niloticus, Turbo marmoratus,and the Tridacna species).
> By the way, T. marmoratus is "protected" in many island countries
> where the species has never been found, I assume because some
> of the countries simply copied the laws of other Pacific nations?
>
> Cheers,
>
>
>
> Don
>
>

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