Shells
As elsewhere in the world, everyone taking shells home for a souvenir has had a drastic impact on the availibility of shells. Times also change, and what was accpeted in former years as acceptable is no longer. Beware of what you take home as a souvenir. Many countries have laws against bringing in goods.
What's in your suitcase?
This information below is quoted from the Marine Awareness Guide of the BVI that is coming out in January of 2008
If you have any questions on what you may or may not take home from your vacation, ask your crew!
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to take home with you from the Caribbean, be aware that what you buy could affect the environment you have come to enjoy. A number of plant and wildlife products you see for sale might come from sustainably managed populations, but you may need permits to take certain species out of the BVI (export) or to carry them into other countries (import). If the product is endangered or illegally taken, it could be confiscated and you could even receive a fine.
A number of species found in the BVI are protected under BVI laws as well as under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). This treaty is signed by over 160 nations and monitors and regulates international trade of wildlife and wildlife products. Currently, 827 species of animals and plants are currently banned from international trade and a further 32,840 are strictly controlled. These include many types of corals, plants (such as orchids and cacti), shells (such as Queen Conch), live reptiles, live birds (some feathers) and all turtle products.
If you are not sure if a product is illegal, don’t bother buying it. The country in which you came from could have strict laws about importing wildlife. Possibly a bad ending to a good holiday! If you have questions, contact the Conservation & Fisheries Department (494-3429) or the Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour (468-3701 ext. 2147 / 2137).
• Live coral, sponge or algae cannot leave the country without written permission from the Chief Conservation & Fisheries Officer (VI Fisheries Regulations, 2003 Sec. 28).
• Importing Queen Conch shells into the US or the UK requires a CITES export permit from the BVI. See the CITES website for information on importing to any other countries.
• All historic shipwrecks (over 50 years) and their artifacts cannot be removed from the Territory. This includes wrecks within the 200 nautical mile exclusive fisheries zone (National Parks Act 2006 sec. 36).
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Angel Wings
Cowrie
Flame Helmet
Flame Helmet
Flamingo- Tongue. Supposed to be good luck!
Flamingo Tongues eating a fan
Mantle
Milk Conch
RoosterTail
Shell Collecting as a hobby
Caribbean Vase Snail
What is in your suitcase going home?
Triton
Tulip Shells
Tulip Shell with his foot out
Eye of a conch
Conch shells out at Anegada
Conch shell piles. Did you know that their is mountain of shells as the fishermen know that if they throw the shells back in the field they gathered them the other conch will leave?
Outside an octopus lair is always a good place for shells!
Conch out for a walk
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