I read the list and glean information from you daily, but have not posted
since I first introduced myself.  I run an education program in Tulsa, OK,
where students trade natural items (and knowledge) for other natural items
we have in stock.  It is a very fun and exciting program, because we are
able to get young students excited about all of the natural sciences, and
interested in becoming better stewards of our world.  Because we are
landlocked and marine shells are not available here, shells are always
popular items for our students to trade out and take home.  (Imagine how
exciting it is for a child in Oklahoma who has never been to the ocean to
bring me an acorn and leave with a shell!!!!)   Unfortunately, we don't have
a lot of shell experts around.  I have tried to teach myself what I can, but
I have a few questions that I cannot seem to resolve.  I sure would love
some help!

The first is regarding Queen Conch.  I have read the legislation and CITES
information, and I interpret it to mean that it is absolutely illegal (not
to mention unethical)  to sell or trade Queen Conch. However, another Nature
Exchange in a different city seems to think there is a way around this if
the shell was obviously collected for food (with the characteristic cut in
the shell).  We have a few large conchs with pink interiors that were
donated, and I assume they are Queen.  But when I look at websites for shell
dealers, such as shellhorizons.com,   I see shells like them called "Bahama
Pink Conch" or "Hatian Conch".  Are these different species? If so, how on
earth do you tell the difference?  If they are the same, how is it legal (or
ethical)  for them to be sold?

Second, we were also given a large abalone shell, about 8 inches across the
long side, and pale pink-orange on the outside.  It was collected probably
30 years ago by one of our volunteers.  I understand some abalone are
endangered.  We obviously do not trade anything endangered or even
threatened here, and we go to great lengths to teach people responsible
collecting.  Is this an item that we should just keep in our educational
collection, or is it OK to trade?  Should we have it at all?

Finally, I operate on a very lean budget (less than $200 a year for stock
items).  When we opened last March, we purchased a starting stock from Shell
Horizons that is rapidly running out.  I was told it was a reputable company
by the organization that set up our exchange.  However, I cannot find any
information about them to prove that they are collecting legally and
ethically.  Does anyone have insight regarding this company, or suggestions
about better resources for our tight budget?

I really appreciate your taking the time to read this message.  I look
forward to any insight you can provide!

Thanks so much

Keri Shingleton, PhD
Tulsa Zoo Nature Exchange
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