Greeting Conch-Lers

Doing a search on Conch-L the archives, I see that about once a year
someone asks for advice on how and where to dive for shells in Hawaii -
usually (like me) before taking a family vacation there.

Since places and people change over time, I thought I would try a new post
on this old topic. I will be in Oahu over the long weekend of Friday March
9th through Sunday March 11th, so I could fit in one day of diving there
and possibly two. The From March 11 - 18th I will be in West Maui and in
between family vacation things, will have time for a couple of dives.

Does any reader have any suggestion on who I might contact who lives in
Hawaii and is active in diving for shells?

Also, based on others' past experience, is it possible to find a comercial
dive operator who would be willing to let a recreational diver look for
shells?

I am especially interested in finding any of the endemic Hawaiian
gastropods, starting with any of the Cypraea, but also any other species
that are endemic to Hawaii, or have a range that is limited to the
central Pacific.

I am also game to try snorkelling or inter-tidal collecting, if there are
still accessible and productive spots  - but I suspect most of the unusual
Hawaiian shells have to be found by diving (please correct this
impression).

I would be grateful for any and all suggestions. Feel free to post a reply
or email me directly at: [log in to unmask]

Michael Small
Canberra Australia

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