>From: Andy Rindsberg <[log in to unmask]> >Reply-To: Conchologists of America List <[log in to unmask]> >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: Re: Boston collecting >Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 08:33:57 -0500 > >Kevin wrote, > > Boston area collecting isn't the most productive, particularly in the >summer months.  I live on the south side of the city so I know that area >more intimately than the north.  If heading north, you can try Revere Beach >but it is my understanding that Revere Beach is primarily only productive >after storms (pref. winter).  I find Wollaston Beach just south of Boston in >Quincy (still reachable by the Subway), is the best Boston Harbor >collecting.  I've collected about 35 species over the years.  The highlights >for this beach are particularly large Mulina lateralis (Dwarf Surf Clams) up >to 29mm, and Large and sometimes pink hued Macoma balthica (some over 40mm). >This is also a good place to find the European Oyster (Crassostrea edulis) >which must have been introduced from European ships entering the harbor (or >perhaps with seeding efforts?).  Other species you will most likely find in >the drift: Mya arenaria, Ensis directus, Tellina agilis, Petricola >pholadiformis, Crepidula fornica, plana, and convexa, Littorina littorea. >Not quite the stunning Florida type assemblege, but typical Boston Harbor. >If you are constrained to collect right in Boston, places like Carson Beach >and Castle Island in South Boston will offer some of the species listed >above, but I find in inferior quality and quantity. If you had the chance to >go out to the Cape or north of Boston, your collecting possibilities would >increase greatly.  If you do have such an opportunity, feel free to contact >me directly.  I would be happy to share my top recommendations for these >areas. -Kevin Dorchester, Massachusetts > >When the sea gives you lemons, make lemonade. > >Although it will never be possible to amass a Boston collection that matches >a Florida collection in diversity of species, it is certainly possible for a >long-term resident to build a local collection of high interest almost >anywhere. For example: > >1. Try collecting geographic variants of a single common species and >correlate its distribution with environmental conditions. Do the shells get >smaller up the creeks, or in muddier water, or in more polluted water, or in >warmer water? Or do geographic variants represent genetic differences of >long standing? > >2. Try collecting epibionts, the plants and animals that live on oysters and >other animals. Which ones live only on living substrates? What accounts for >their distribution? > >3. Compare your collections with older ones in local museums or the >literature. Which species have become locally extinct, and when? Which are, >or were, gathered for food? Do local archaeological museums have ancient >midden seashells they want identified? When did introduced species arrive >and how long did it take for them to spread? > >You can probably think of other ideas. These collections may not be as >beautiful as a tropical display, but they can make good educational exhibits >-- and can be highly practical in evaluating the local environment. > >Andrew K. Rindsberg >Geological Survey of Alabama > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- >[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs >To leave this list, click on the following web link: >http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1 >Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and >click leave the list. >----------------------------------------------------------------------