I have been collecting 5 decades now, and as I try to grow my private collection, it seems that so
many shells are now "auctioned" and that the prices are escalating astronomically. Obviously,
someone, somewhere, is willing to pay "whatever" to get a specimen shell (and frequently, poor
quality specimens at that).

My question to you all is this now the reality of collecting? Do we need to be "independently wealthy"
to pursue our passion?  (Are there alternatives?)

Many of us specialize in specific fauna (species) areas, and can collect physically, but for (and I am
assuming) most of us, the days of "local collecting trips" are getting fewer between.

How do institutions deal with acquiring new species...

How much will you pay for a missing specimen?

I am curious as to what you think, I hope to open a broad discussion on this...

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