The protected Sea Otter is growing in numbers like weeds.
They live on abalone as well.

Former Monterey Bay area resident.

Martin

Bob Nixon wrote:
> Very Thoughtful!
>
> Live Life, Love Life.
> Bob Nixon
> [log in to unmask]
> 210 380-1177
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tom
> Eichhorst
> Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2007 10:52 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Thoughts on shell collecting
>
> Marlo and all others working this thread,
>
> It seems we are all kicking around the same ball with only minor variations
> on angle and velocity.  None of us have real data on other than large
> commercial over-exploitation (abalone in California, seafood restaurants
> mentioned by Guido) and development-caused destruction (pick just about
> anywhere).  We know these things damage animal and plant populations, the
> question being, does specimen collecting and associated shell clubs fall on
> that side of the fence.  I personally believe that on the whole, they do not
> (for reasons I have previously stated), but I have no real proof.  As Marlo
> pointed out, saying that ones activity is okay because it is less damaging
> than some other activity is spurious at best.  But that is the only data we
> have, so we tend to use it.  Sadly, as the population continues to explode
> it becomes a moot point.  We (human beings) will continue to put greater and
> greater pressures on the environment, with a resulting impact on the natural
> world we all hold dear.  Most of us say or think we hold dear anyway, or we
> wouldn't be fussing so much.  I personally have collected shells for over 50
> years, but it is only in the last couple of decades that I got serious (my
> wife might say obsessed) and became involved with a shell club (really just
> a social group with a common interest), COA, and Conch-L.  Each of these has
> helped turn what was a casual interest into something more.  My efforts at
> education and study won't turn the tide on continued environmental
> pressures, but I am able to tell house guests the real story of why the
> green tree snail is protected as well as point out the marvels of a
> Xenophora that attaches shells and rocks (and bottle caps, wood, etc.) to
> its shell for no known reason.  My next sentence was originally: "By living
> my current life style, e.g. driving a fossil fuel-powered car (and pickup
> truck), living with central heat and air in a house arguably larger than
> needed (until the grandkids come over), buying packaged goods, watering a
> lawn, etc., etc., etc., I am doing more to damage the environment than
> buying that shell that was collected in the Philippines that I just had to
> have."  That is that same argument that Marlo pointed out as irrelevant to
> his original question.  An easy trap into which I keep falling.  So rant
> over.  All we really have are opinions on the effects (good, bad, or
> indifferent) of what we do (shell collecting wise, not life styles).  So I
> personally will continue on, not for any altruistic reasons like educating
> the unwashed masses, but because I find enjoyment in what I do.  I think my
> shell collecting has resulted in some positive events and effects, but that
> is certainly not why I collect.  I collect because I like to collect.  I
> guess I am just one of those folks with that shell collecting psychosis.
> Welcome to my world...
>
> Tom Eichhorst in New Mexico, USA
>
> PS.  Time now to go eat some freshly baked cinnamon rolls with a grandkid
> and talk shells with her.  At present she likes the spiny ones, but I kind
> of started with Murex, so that is understandable.  She'll branch out.  Heck,
> she might even like nerites some day!  I hope everyone on Conch-L has a
> great New Year.
>
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--
Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
TSRA, Life; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member.
http://lufkinced.com/

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