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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