In a message dated 12/2/98 10:05:57 AM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
 
> What does beach renourishment do to littoral species such as Donax
variabilis?
>  Are they smothered?
>
 
Beach renourishment projects have all but wiped out intertidal mollusk
populations on the beaches of some parts of Dauphin Island and Gulf Shores,
Alabama.  Shelling these areas has never been Floridaesque in my lifetime, but
it is not as good now as it was even five years ago.   The Mississippi
mainland does not have natural beaches.  It is all generated by man.  Try
finding shells there.  Even hermit crabs are extremely rare there.  Unless you
go to the barrier islands or offshore, shelling in Mississippi is worse than
in Alabama.  Now, don't get me wrong, there are some really fantastic
specimens coming up from the coastal waters of both states.  It is just the
beach collecting that seems to have suffered.  Of course the proliferation of
condos and hotels in Alabama and casinos in Mississippi does not help matters
either.
 
Doug Shelton
Alabama Malacological Research Center
2370-G Hillcrest Road #236
Mobile, AL 36695