Hello All. It is very clear that many dealers offer Galapagos shells, and no, these aren't likely shells from 'older collections' considering the sheer number of specimens one sees. I am also aware that there is some major disputes going on the islands regarding immegration to the islands from the mainland and issues around fishing for sea cucumbers for Asian markets. My understanding was that the seas around the Galapagos were generally considered totally protected, but that seems to be somewhat in error. Rather than try and read between the lines, does anyone know what the US, Ecadorian, and World regulations are regarding the issue of harvesting of sea life on the islands? I am particularly interested because I will be likely taking a Biology class there next May and it would really be helpful for the purposes of our class discussions to know where things officially stand. My attempts to find things on-line so far haven't really turned up much of anything. Thanks! Doug ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------