They aren't banning shell collecting, they just want to make sure that
we aren't importing live invasive species.  If you fill out the
paperwork for just shells with no animals, it usually goes pretty fast.
They have the paperwork electronic now so that you can save the forms
and just change the address.  I know it's a pain in the butt, but they
are just trying to make sure to protect the native animals from being
taken over by invasives. Here's the link.

https://edecs.fws.gov/

Marcus Coltro wrote:

>Of course I am kidding! I even used this expression on my website as an option for cleaning shells:
>http://www.femorale.com.br/shell_cleaning/"http://www.femorale.com.br/shell_cleaning/
>
>And even if they ban shell collecting I will not give up defending our hobby!
>
>Enjoy your collection as we all do, no worries!
>
>Marcus
>________________________________________
>De: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Em nome de -- Belinda Boyle
>
>Hello:
>
>As a new collector I found your statement appalling!
>
>"Maybe, we should all collect stamps instead of shells."
>
>Belinda Boyle
>
>--
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--
Jamie M. Smith, Curator I, Invertebrates
North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences
Research Laboratory
4301 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh, NC 27604

Phone: 919/733-7450 (ext. 762 or 778- lab)
Fax:  919/715-2294
e-mail:  [log in to unmask]
http://www.naturalsciences.org/research/index.html

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