Jim Miller wrote:
>
> With apologies to those that I have already discussed this with, what do
> you folks know about the recent "crackdown" on shell collecting in Mexico?
> I have heard various versions including one that says even dead shells
> cannot be taken.
>
> I was planning a trip in May to LaPaz to scuba and (hopefully) swim with a
> whale shark or two. I do know that dive boats have always discouraged the
> taking of live shells (though I've seen divers take horse conchs and not
> have anyone ask more than once if they won't please put it back), but I do
> pick up anything dead that I see (like a nice Lion's Paw last trip). Also,
> what about all the tourist shops that sell shells? If I buy some and put
> them in my suitcase, am I breaking a law here? Gee, I don't think Mexico is
> a place I'd want to be arrested ("Midnight Express" is running through my
> head even now) -- Then again, I don't want to be arrested anywhere. Last
> September, we brought back about a dozen shells and nobody seemed to have a
> problem -- at least they weren't on the list of things you have to declare
> when leaving the country (like live animals or fruit).
>
> I'd appreciate any information. Might have to change my vacation
> destination depending upon what you folks tell me. I'll bet Peggy Williams
> knows . . .
>
> Best regards all, and thanks for all the info already. It's been invaluable.
> Jim Miller
> Tallahassee, Florida
 
 
 
Dear Jim.
 
Not, in Mixico there is not a general legal restriction to shell
collecting. Some species are under protection. (Strombus gigas,some
concholepas), and you can4t take shell in "natural reservoirs" (national
parks, protected zones, coral points of Caribbean). Out of there, the
shell collecting is O.K.
 
Ask for the restrictions on the place you think will go.  Don4t take
many shells... and all the other rules.
 
Maybe the cause of the "crackdown" in Mexico is the pollution problems
near the touristic zones, we can be really worry about.
 
(Midnight Expresss... mmm dont you like adventures ?, )
............................
 
 
 
 
 
A warm regard
 
Jorge Mendez
Mexico City