Timothy Blackwood wrote:
> Hello,
>
>      I have a question on behalf of a friend.  A fellow list member is now in Venezuela and has
> asked me if I knew of any restrictions on bringing back specimens of Strombus gigas collected in
> Venezuela.  Not having that information, I'm bringing the question to you.  Is anyone aware of
> collecting and import restrictions on Strombus gigas specimens from Venezuela?  Would his 3
> specimens pose any problems going through Customs?  Thanks in advance. :)

The laws are confusing, and even the officials argue over them.

It is legal to bring legally harvested conch in by air or have them
shipped to you. It is NOT legal to bring S. gigas in by boat.

It is NOT legal to harvest S. gigas in the US, and possession may be
used as evidence of illegal harvesting.

In practice, customs agents don't much care what US citizens bring back
home, as long as it is not undeclared valuables, drugs, or explosives.
Best bet is just stick em in yer luggage like any tourist souvenir.

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