In a message dated 98-09-12 08:49:16 EDT, you write:
 
<<
 >Tom, Doug, others: What is the proper role of the conchologist in
 >freshwater mollusk conservation?
 > >>
 
 
        I agree with Tom in regard to the the dim view taken of amateur
collectors by state and federal agencies.  Recent listings by the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service have included "scientific collectors" among existing
threats.  In Alabama and Tennessee (the two states which hold the highest
diversity among freshwater mollusks) it is still possible for for amateurs to
obtain scientific collecting permits.  Alabama charge $1.00 per year and
Tennessee currently charges no fee.  It is more difficult to obtain a federal
permit (which you need if you plan to collect even dead shells of endangered
species), but not impossible.  I know of at least two amateurs who have worked
through the process and are holders of federal permits.  I do believe both
listed some institutional affiliation which certainly helps.
 
          Where it is possible to obtain collecting permits amateurs can make
a difference by sharing their data with professionals.  If your information is
good and/or new publish it in a scientific journal.  Amateurs are still
publishing a lot  in current journals.  Share specimens with museums and state
and federal agencies.  Do more than just collect shells.  Keep field notes in
regard to habitat, species collected together and behavioral observations.
Some of the most important discoveries made among freshwater workers in recent
years were made by those who were simply out in the field, took time to make
observations, and subsequently reported their discoveries.  The discovery of
the "superconglinate" in unionid reproduction was made in this manner.   Also,
include more freshwater material in shell shows to educate the public in
regard to the existence, extirpation and extinction of freshwater mollusks.
For example, for years I have been gathering members of the genus Epioblasma
(a genus that is almost extinct).  I have representatives of almost every
species of Epioblasma.  In order to fulfill the education requirements of my
federal permit I plan to exhibit these shells in the not to distant future at
a shell show.  Anyone could do something similar.  The contributions of
amateurs are limited not so much by regulations of state and federal agencies,
but by lack of desire and or interest.
 
          Also, in regard to permits, I highly recommend that no one collect
freshwaters without obtaining the proper permits.   In six years I have been
checked by the game wardens only once.  However, they do check.  Specimens
collected without a permit can be confiscated and in some cases fines and/or
jail time may be imposed.  Most states are easy to work with.  There are
exceptions though, such as Indiana and Ohio.  Also, in some states if you are
caught collecting without a permit you forfiet your automobile and all
equipment used in collecting the specimens.   When I was in Florida collecting
recently (the day I was checked for permits)  two men were found upstream
collecting without the proper permits.  They were together but had driven
separately.  The game warden told me they would be losing their trucks, their
boat, SCUBA gear, all specimens would be confiscated and they would also go to
trial where fines and jail time could be added.  It is a high price to pay for
not following the rule, especially when to collect legally would cost less
than a few dollars and a few minuted to fill out the paper work.
 
Doug Shelton
Alabama Malacological Research Center
2370-G Hillcrest Road #236
Mobile, AL 36695