Sanibel is often referred to as the shelling capital of North America. Strolling the beaches
and shallow water surrounding Sanibel and Captiva over 300 species of shells can be
discovered. These treasures are what lure many island visitors.

To protect this important economic and biological asset, in the late 1980s, the city of
Sanibel petitioned the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) to restrict live-
shelling and the MFC passed a special Sanibel Shelling Rule restricting live collection
to two specimens of any one species per day per person. In addition, non-residents were
required to purchase a State saltwater products fishing license. This rule remained in
effect for six years, but it was difficult to enforce.

In 1994 the city asked MFC to establish a complete ban on live-shelling for Sanibel
beaches to one-half mile from shore. This rule prohibits the harvest and possession of
live shellfish as well as sand dollars, sea stars and sea urchins. Also, all shelling was
prohibited within the waters of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. A first
offense could result in a fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail. This went into effect on
January 1, 1995. In January of 2002, Lee County proposed a county-wide ban on the
collection of all live shells. This ban took effect March 1, 2002. The ban remains in
effect and is strictly enforced.

The first question that generally follows awareness of the live-shelling ban is, “how
can I tell if the shell is alive or dead?” The sniff test is where to begin. Hold the shell
carefully in your hand and take a whiff, if you experience a rather obnoxious odor, it
is highly likely that the mollusk responsible for building the shell is no longer living.
Another method involves placing the specimen gently at the water’s edge or in a tidal
pool and watch for any movement. If the specimen is a gastropod (one piece whorled
shell) check to see if there is an operculum or trap door and if there is any movement.

There are many joys associated with shelling beyond “the hunt” for a junonia, lions paw,
or even better, a brand new species. One of them is observing live mollusks in their
natural habitat and learning more about what form of locomotion they employ, what they
eat, which species they fall prey to, how they reproduce, and whether they leave “trails”
that help the inquisitive nature enthusiast find and identify them.

There are some “rules of the road” if you have an interest in observing live shells in their
natural environment. Always put the shell back where you found it by gently placing it
on the sea floor. Gastropods should be placed with the aperture or opening down. Do
not throw shells back into the sea as this will cause injury and probable death. If objects
in the environment like rocks, or branches are moved during observation, be sure to put
the objects back where you found them.