Scott, I was unaware that Captiva Island was now off limits to shell
collecting.  When did that happen?  Last time I was there I wasn't bothered
about collecting although I did get a dose of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning
from the aerosolized sea spray.  There were no warning signs about that
issue either, better to poison a few tourists, than disrupt tourism, I'd
guess.  Bert Bartleson

________________________________________
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Scott Jordan
Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2005 9:49 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Extinction, collection and civil rights

It is my understanding that, since the beginning of life on this planet,
many more species of animals have become extinct than presently are extant.
These animals perished without the assistance of man.  Their extinction was
a natural phenomena.  The fact is that it is natural for species to die off,
just as it is for new species to evolve.  Theological considerations aside,
it would seem logical to conclude that the “reign” of man will ultimately
pass as well.

Guido makes a very relevant point when he notes that marine mollusks are
extraordinarily robust creatures and their populations appear largely
unaffected by collection.  It is important to view the topic from a big
picture perspective because we place our civil liberties at risk by
instituting solutions for problems that don’t really exist.  Populations
swell and subside; sometimes they never return.  Comparing a population
today to its state a decade before does not provide a reliable indicator of
its long term viability.

In California we have passed initiatives that have illegalized the sale of
horsemeat and also banned the production, sale and ultimately the
consumption (I think in five years) of foie gras.  Most Californians don’t
consume either so have we negatively affected our lifestyles by giving up
these rights?  The better questions are, was there a problem in the first
place and what are the implications of giving up these civil liberties?

PETA and the Vegans are very clever.  They know that, while their long term
objective is legally mandated vegetarianism and the abolishment of animal
slaughter, politically they could never attack the consumption of meat head
on.  So they are starting at the periphery and working their way in.  How do
you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.

Be very careful about giving up your civil rights.  What is lost is not
easily regained.

I once enjoyed shelling on Captiva Island but will never again.

Scott Jordan

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