Ken,
        Believe it or not I am still receiving replies to this survey.
However, I will share some preliminary results.  First of all the purpose for
the survey: to identify how many people out there maintain a private
collection.  These were then separated into hobbyist and professional
(Several professionals indicated they considered themselves to be both).
 
        Attending various meeting involving state and federal wildlife
personnel I constantly hear about the threat of "scientific collectors" to
freshwater mollusks (especially mussels).  I really had my doubts about this
as I just did not think there were that many people around who were
interested in freshwater mollusks; especially those who maintained a private
collection.  However, after hundreds of replies I can tell you I was wrong.
There are several hundred people in the US with some interest in freshwater
mollusks and a significant percentage of these who maintain a private
collection.  The good news is that the vast majority indicate that they hold
permits for state and federal activities.  A small percentage indicated that
they collect with no regard to permits at all (this included professionals
and hobbyists).  Several indicated they no longer actively collect because of
the hassle of dealing with permits.  I will seek to quantify this after I am
satisfied that I will not receive any more replies or a significant number of
replies; which I expect to be very soon.
 
        I will post the results of the survey to CONCH-L and UNIO listservs
and share with state and federal agencies upon request.  However, I stress
once again this survey was/is confidential and I will not share the
information contained in individual replies with anyone.
 
Doug Shelton
Alabama Malacological Research Center
2370-G Hillcrest Road #236
Mobile, AL 36695  USA