Greetings,
 
In California many of the popular dive sites are in or near marine
preserves, reserves, or refuges, where collecting is not permitted by the
public.
 
Scientific collectors (in CA) have a "Scientific Collector's Permit"
issued from the state Department of Fish and Game, available to students
under the supervision of college-level faculty or to researchers
associated with a college/university.
 
To try to convince a boat captain that your are a "scientific collector"
without such a permit is inappropriate and I applaud the efforts to
prevent divers from collecting without permits.  Marine resources are not
unlimited.
 
Be aware of local regulations wherever you dive and obtain the appropriate
permits before collecting, otherwise your illegeal collecting is a
disservice to researchers and non-collecting shell enthusiasts alike.
 
Cheers,
Steve
 
Steve Lonhart
Department of Biology           Office:  (831) 459-4026
University of California        FAX:     (831) 459-4882
Santa Cruz, CA  95064           email:   [log in to unmask]
 
WEBSITE:  http://www-biology.ucsc.edu/people/potts/lonhart/