>> 1)  How do U.S. dive boat captains react to shellers?  Are there general
>> suggestions for finding boats where shelling is welcome or ways to avoid
>> those where it is not?  Not well.  We have been kicked off of several
boats
>> for collecting.  Contact boat captain ahead of time and convince him that
>> you are a scientific collector and are interested in preserving the
>> environment and will not overcollect, etc.
 
 
Well, I have noticed here in Australia (this is in  my own experience) just
about every dive instructor and dive company that I have been around, seems
to be leaned towards the anti-collection side of life.  I have found that if
you let them know your intent (like you are a serious collector and
understand limited numbers etc) they are a little less of a bother and
usually they let you know that your collecting should not really be noticed
by anyone else.  Also,  if they are aware that you are a real collector and
there is not a specified dive location they will try to get you to a zone
where it is legal to collect.  BUT overall they don't seem to like people to
be collecting bits and peices just for the sake of a souvenire.