As i was saying  before ice-storm related power problems interrupted my
slightly verbose rant, the amount of habitat damage which results from
specimen-shell collection is, except in ver¥ rare instances, negligable
in the overall picture of wholesale biosphere-trashing  our species is
currently engaged in, and can be defended on the basis of the various
sorts of good which directly or indirectly result from the collection of
these remarkable natural creations.  In addition to scientific gains,
people who collect such treasures often become more aware of, and
concerned with the fragility of  nature in the face of  dubious human
"progresss" in  science and technology, and the increasing  burden of  a
rapidly-growing  worldwide population.  As well, it is probaly a pretty
safe bet that a certain percentage of non-collectors leave private as
well as public diplays of seashells with an enhaced appreciation of  the
beauties of the natural world, which in at least a few  viewers,
translates into direct action, in the form of  lifestyle changes,
political activism, or at least a deepened commitment to the cause of
slowing  and eventually reversing  the destruction of our home.\
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                -R. Mayhew.