March Twelve

Trouble in Paradise

Up front I want to tell you that you’re going to be jealous, and that is okay.

I went to Florida. In the middle of a harsh winter here in PA, I hopped on a plane and flew to balmy 80 degree weather. I lounged on Barefoot Beach, waded in the cool waters, and soaked up the rays.

Go ahead, I can’t hear you.

Alright. Back to the point, besides rubbing it in.

Can you believe there are still people collecting live shells?

People, don’t do that! 

Before we went on the trip, I learned a lot about shells. My daughter did a report. It was fascinating. Then we get to the beach and people are talking about how to clean live shells! I can’t believe it! Like it's okay! Like it's an option!

I love shells. I spend beach days strolling up and down the surf line scanning the sand. Then I troll the shallows with my feet, using my toes to pinch and pull up all interesting objects. Finally, I go into the deeper water and slide my foot along the bottom. Mr. Gregorific is my diver. When I feel a promising shape I stand on it and call for him. He follows my leg down and plucks up whatever my foot is marking. My kids have picked up this practice as well, so our diver gets quite busy. He retired several times this trip, but was cajoled back. We found some marvelous shells!

Some of the best, most intact shells were inhabited. When I find a shell that has any sign of life, I throw it back. Of course! The little mollusks inside secrete nacre, which is made of calcium carbonate and creates the shell. (Don’t cite me on that.) It’s their handmade home they’re carrying around. If we pick up a live one, we admire it, and then throw it back. 

When I heard people talking about how to "clean" the inhabitants out, I felt ill. I hoped it was an anomaly. By coincidence, I must have overheard the least responsible shellers.
 
Then I came home and googled how to clean the shells I collected. I wanted to know whether to soak them in bleach, vinegar, soap...they smelled really bad, ya'll. And many, many websites explain how to evict the mollusks when cleaning your shells. Instead of saying how to clean live shells, I wish they said NEVER collect live shells. It makes me sick. So I decided to tell you about it. If you are at the beach, go ahead and keep an eye out for inhabited shells and help to protect them. Please. 

Know the difference, and share the knowledge. Blog about it. Go ahead. Even if you didn’t go to the beach this winter. Even if you don’t have sunburn and sand in odd places. Even if you’ve accidentally kept a live shell. Look forward, and make sure you don’t do it again.

Thanks.
~gregorific