>  OK. What are some good reasons, understandable to the layman, for >  keeping a
>  reference set and vouchers?

Vouchers provide opportunities for future research and for verification of results.  An example that might get the attention of state officials is the possibility that there would be lawsuits claiming that the beach renourishment project damaged habitat for commercially important species (e.g., shrimp).  You have concrete evidence as to what was present before the renourishment, which can be compared with post-renourishment faunas.  If the shells did not change much, the case for general environmental impact is weakened.  (Don't tell them that you can use the samples to prove that the project did mess up the ecosystems.)

Another possible approach is to ask whether they prefer $300 for some boxes and jars or if they want to buy a new computer, microscope, and camera and hire someone to photograph and otherwise thoroughly document every single specimen for posterity, plus the costs of ensuring that this documentation is backed up.

    Dr. David Campbell
    Old Seashells
    University of Alabama
    Biodiversity & Systematics
    Dept. Biological Sciences
    Box 870345
    Tuscaloosa, AL  35487-0345 USA
    [log in to unmask]

That is Uncle Joe, taken in the masonic regalia of a Grand Exalted Periwinkle of the Mystic Order of Whelks-P.G. Wodehouse, Romance at Droitgate Spa

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