David, my training and experience are similar to David Carroll's, except I've been collecting since the late 90's in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), mainly in the vicinity of Guaymas, and Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico on annual trips, generally late spring or early summer. I'm an enthusiastic amateur, learning as I go, and thankful for all the helpful information I've gained from the list. If anyone wants specimens of what I may have (most are in at least fair to good condition, with an occasional excellent shell), I would be happy to share. Also, we have a few freshwater Corbicula clams gathered from the canal behind my home in Arizona, and a couple of freshwater snail species collected from the same place. We also have two land snails here, Rumina decollate, and Helix aspera, in case anyone wants one or two just to add the range to their own collection.
I do not collect live, nor do I preserve the soft parts.
---- ehecatlsighs <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
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Michael, I am neither a professional or well-informed amateur but a newly senior citizen with a late-blooming interest in malacology. Although I have only a little formal education in biological science, I am an avid learner and would love to be able to be of assistance of any kind to field. Â If you or any of the other members of this list could steer me in some direction in which I might be able to contribute, I would be grateful. Â I live in Pinellas county, Florida. Â Extensive travel is currently beyond my means but I do live in close proximity to the Gulf beaches and Tampa Bay. Â Thank you for taking the time to read this. Â Sincerely, David Carroll
Sent from my Galaxy S®III
-------- Original message --------
From: Michael LaFosse <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 09/06/2013 6:22 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CONCH-L] Amateurs in the field: How may they help?
Dear list members,
This is a preliminary query to the list. I am planning to present the topic below as a program to the Boston Malacological Club in January, 2014.
Welcome to the Age of Big Data! I would like to encourage a richer fieldwork experience for budding malacologists and shell enthusiasts, and so I am collecting suggestions and tips for amateur shell collectors about field observations and data collection techniques that may help them. I would appreciate input from both longtime collectors, as well as professionals at institutions of higher education and research, who may be able to make scientific use of the information.
The traditional list of measurable data are: Date, time, locality (..by map and by GPS..) substrate ("On or under sand..." "On limestone...") temperature, and weather conditions. Additionally, notes on the animal's behavior, drawings, photos and video are useful.
Could you suggest other useful tests or instruments? Measurements of trace and suspended constituents?  How about pH, acidity or alkalinity, salinity, and other water chemistry parameters? Are these measurable items useful? Are there any particular "Apps" that are useful to fieldworkers?
Do you have any tips or suggestions about preserving the animal in whole, or as selected tissue sections, and perhaps with DNA sampling in mind?
I realize that most collectors will not be able (or willing to go to the time and expense) to collect much of this information and material. Nevertheless, for those who may be interested and capable, what data and material will most likely be useful in the future, and to whom?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice!
The Boston Malacological Club meets at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month, October through May, at 8:00 PM in room 101 of the MCZ. If you are in the area on any of these evening, please join us!
Sincerely,
Michael LaFosse
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