> Andrew Vik
> Tampa, FL. USA
> [log in to unmask]
>
> Barbara:
>
> I think that your customs people were concerned because the package
> was mailed from Florida, where S.gigas is protected, even though the
> specimens probably came from the Bahamas, where the species is not
> protected. The dealer probably did not specify the point of origin for
> the shells.
>
> Strombus gigas is in trouble (as far as I know) in only certain parts
> of it's range. This is not because of shell collectors taking too many
> specimens. It is because the animal itself is eaten in massive
> quantities. The hugh heaps of shells for sale at souvenir stands are a
> by product of conch fisheries.

You are correct Andrew.  There are plenty of harvested S. gigas mounds
in the Bahamas.  I have seen piles over six feet high.  You can't help
but to think that it is having an impact on the populations.  We have a
lot more Strombus gigas here in Florida than they are willing to admit.
My brother sees them all the time including shells of illegally
harvested ones.  Last month I saw three under a bridge in the Florida
Keys which was slightly outside of their usual habitat.

Andrew D

Andrew D