At 16:39 26/05/99 -0700, you wrote:
>Dear Betty Jean,
>
>My understanding is that there is a total ban on shelling in Mauritius -
>even to being unlawful to collect shells inhabited by hermit crabs!
>
>Tom Rice
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Betty Jean Piech <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Wednesday, May 26, 1999 2:04 PM
>Subject: Shelling in Mauritius
>
>
>>Conch-L:
>>
>>Recently there were several emails about Mauritius being a good place for
>>shells. Does anyone know if there are restrictions on collecting there?
>>
>>Betty Jean, The Tall One
>>
Dear CONCH-Lers:
Technically, shelling in Mauritius is forbidden. However, this is a
ecological good will of the local government, rather than an enforced law. I
guess that bulk exportations of shells are not allowed (i.e. for dealers or
shellcraft industry). However a visitor there can get as many shells as
he/she likes. They are sold throughout the island in shops like Argonaute or
MIKADO (I recommend this one), or in markets and in the beach. Many shells
in shops are imported from Philippines, India and nearby Madagascar (Conus
behelokensis is sold at less than 1 USD!). However, you can find many local
shells mixed (Conus timorensis, Lambis violacea, fresh collected Lambis
truncata with purple mouth,etc). Nobody will tell you nothing at the
airport, so you can collect discretely, and mix your self-collected shells
with those purchased. Locals use to take Planaxis sulcatus and other
molluscs alike. They break the shells and use the animal as bait for
fishing. As a warning, people, specially in the beach, will try to sell
coral, or even turtle shells! There is an international ban on turtle shell
trade I believe, and it is no good supporting reef destruction by purchasing
corals, something that every shell collector must know.
All the best,
Manuel Jimenez Tenorio
Jerez, Cadiz, SPAIN
p.s. I will be travelling soon to Sri Lanka and Maldives. Any
shelling tips?
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