In the arguments about the effects of overcollecting, it would be
appropriate to consider that most of the members of this list are
individual collectors, most of whom collect selectively.  The impact
upon mollusc populations of such selective collecting is insignificant
in most cases, especially in comparison with the commercial harvesting
that has devastated populations in many areas.  It is unfortunate that
the regulators who impose total bans on shelling in ever-increasing
localities fail to consider such distinctions.
--
Cecil N. Bankston
Baton Rouge, LA USA