The last time I was in St. John's, there was no collecting in the
park---period! and to look at the underwater shambles there, I would agree
that nothing should be taken as the loss would be long in being overcome.
Other areas  of the island have fared better at the hands of man. Generally
speaking, most of the BVI & USVI have very similar species. A "newbie" most
likely will not be finding conchological fantasies! But tell them to go and
enjoy, the island is lovely and the folks very friendly.
-----Original Message-----
From: Dollmann, Ronald <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, February 02, 2000 6:12 PM
Subject: St. John Island


>Hello Conch-L,
>
>List members have been so helpful in the past with insightful shelling
>information on various island paradises that I would like you to consider
>one more location.
>
>A colleague of mine is traveling to St. John Island, in the Virgin Island
>chain, and he and his family is in the early stages of shell collecting.
Is
>there any one on CONCH-L who might be familiar with the molluscan species
>that might be found on or around the island, or in the vicinity.  Would
they
>find most Caribbean species there, or are there specific species more
common
>than others?  Are there any recommended shelling locations, either beaches
>or diving locations, he is an avid scuba diver and the rest of the family
>are snorkelers.  Are there any known regulations on collecting, or
>transporting specimens off the Island?  I have already read on one of the
>web sites that it is a rule of the Virgin Island National Park on St. John
>Island that "conch shells cannot be removed from park waters".  I presume
>they refer to the Queen Conch.  Your comments are welcomed, and as always,
>so is a recommended reference.
>
>Ron Dollmann
>Buffalo, New York
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