Aloha Ross,
Another reason to halt collecting pulcherima was to help prevent de-forrest-
ation which caused soil run-off of top soil into the ocean. According to US
Fish & Wildlife any protected species collected before the ban date took
effect is allowed exposure within country limits. If confiscated designated
experts are called in to determine how "fresh" the specimens are.
                                               Mahalo! Chris K Takahashi