I am often asked about Turbo marmoratus, which i avoid since it is a
CITES-listed species. Yet, the worldwide trade in this species is HUGE:
it is bought and sold for crafts by the containerfull.  I think the
rationale behind its being listed in Appendix II of CITES was because it
is a shallow-water species easily gathered up, and at least some local
populations were being over-exploited.  Is this essentially correct?
Anyway, my question to the list is: How in the world can such a large
trade volume in an easily-identified CITES species continue in so many
countries??  I can't ever recall hearing of a shipment of this species
being busted by customs inspectors, and indeed it seems that most folks
either don't know or simply don't care that its international trade is
under most circumstances illegal.  Ideas, comments?

- Ross mayhew.

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