Hobbies And Interests
Dead Shells
Pick up dead shells instead of shells that still contain live animals. Removing a whole mollusk from a seashell can be unpleasant and time-consuming. There are enough dead shells on most beaches and sea bottoms for collectors to avoid the unpleasantness of collecting live ones. Only the most serious collectors need to bother with shells that are still occupied.
Cleaning
Soak shells in bleach to remove encrustations without harming the shell. Most shells are unattractive in their natural state. They may be dirty, stained or encrusted with other tiny mollusks. Tougher encrustations may need to be removed with a small, sharp object like a dental tool or awl. Stubborn stains and encrustations can be removed with muriatic acid, which is a corrosive liquid, but the shell must be rinsed immediately to prevent the shell from dissolving.
Reefs
Search near dead coral rubble - broken pieces of coral that are no longer attached to the rock - when collecting shells in reef areas, according to Conchologists of America. Most collectors turn over pieces of dead coral by grabbing the far side and lifting the piece toward them. This allows eels and other creatures to escape. Shells may be found in crevices of the coral or on the sand underneath. When collecting in reef areas, it's important to return all pieces of coral and rock to their original positions. Otherwise, collectors risk disturbing the reef ecosystem. Collectors should never disturb coral that is still attached to rocks.
Records
Keep a notebook or database of information about your shell collection, including species, where the shell was found and any ecological data about the specimen. As a collection grows, it may be hard to keep track of. A notebook can make it easier to avoid collecting duplicate shells and to highlight any rarities.
Legal
Familiarize yourself with the local rules and regulations regarding seashell collecting. In some areas, collecting may damage the ecosystem and is not permitted. Other areas permit shell collecting, but limit it to certain species or only with a permit. Learning this information in advance can help collectors avoid legal troubles, especially when collecting in unfamiliar areas.