You may need a permit to bring in or take corals, clams and shells—as well as jewellery made from these items. There are more than 15 species of butterfly listed on CITES, many of which are found in the Oceania region. You need permits to import/export protected species.
To avoid complication, you must make sure the shells are as clean as possible and do not contain any dirt, which can carry microorganisms. Also, you should declare the shells at customs.
Wrap really fragile shells like this False Angel Wing in a roll of scrunched newspaper. If you have room to add it to the stack, make sure to provide plenty of cushioning all around. Otherwise, you can tuck fragile shells and larger ones into closed toed shoes in your suitcase.
For example, some experts say the removal of shells can impact shoreline erosion patterns. This could have dire effects on coastal populations, especially in combination with global warming and rising sea levels. Not only that, but every shell performs some ecological role.
Many people enjoy picking up a small seashell or pebble as a memento of their time spent on a new beach in Scotland and across the UK - it is a free gift that many people entertain. However, under the the Coastal Protection Act 1949, it is actually illegal to take any kind of natural materials from public beaches.
Collecting shells and shell grit is prohibited in national parks, nature reserves and Aboriginal areas. Unoccupied shells and shell grit may be collected in other habitat protection and general use zones for non-commercial purposes. Collecting more than 10kg per person per day requires a permit.
In Australia, it is generally legal to collect shells from the beach, as long as it's done in small quantities and does not harm any live animals or the surrounding environment.
Under Fiji Government laws, turtle shells and three species of the Triton shell are banned from being exported. However, with any other type of shell an export permit from the Department of Fisheries allows the buyer to legally remove them and enter their home country with these rare pieces in their possession.
Green zones in Queensland signify “Marine National Park”.
You cannot remove anything from the area, so fishing and shell-collecting are prohibited. This helps minimize human impact and keep the landscape as pure as possible.
It's important to note that while collecting shells is allowed on most beaches in Victoria, there may be restrictions in place in some areas to protect the environment. Please be respectful and mindful of the environment while collecting shells, and leave shells that are still alive in their natural habitat.
Dry everything well, or put shells out on the deck, porch or in a sunny spot until they dry – remember that sun will fade shells! Shells are quite tough for the most part, but if you've found anything fragile, be sure to wrap it well or put it inside a cracker box, or empty food carton for the journey.
Years ago, during an interview with Aint It Cool News, Sylvester Stallone explained. “OK, this may be bordering on the grotesque, but the way it was explained to me by the writer is you hold two seashells like chopsticks, pull gently and scrape what's left with the third.
Hotopp (2002) assumed that minute shells (smaller than 3 mm, e.g. the genera Punctum and Carychium) could completely disappear within several months, while Boschi & Baur (2008) stated that in some (unspecified) habitat types shells could persist for several years before disappearance.
Seashells. Although many varieties of seashells collected from saltwater beaches are enterable without restriction, certain countries limit the collection, sale, and export of shells and shell products.
According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring rocks and minerals on a plane. You can pack them in your checked luggage or even keep them your carry-on bag. If your samples are sharp or fist-sized, it is best to put them in a checked bag to avoid the appearance of a potential security risk.
Don't collect coral or shells to take home
It doesn't look like much, and it can even be a nice souvenir, but shells and coral are protected, and you are not supposed to take any home.
Standout Species
The hundred-eyed cowrie shell species is one of the rarest seashells in the world. You will be lucky to spot this unusual sea jewel feeding whilst diving or snorkeling shallow coral reefs.
Marine Park's legal requirements: You must not damage, collect or otherwise take coral, including dead coral and protected shell species (that is, giant triton shell, helmet shell and giant clam) in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park unless you have a Marine Parks permit.
Beach rocks and pebbles also play an important role in slowing down wave action, therefore reducing coastal erosion. It is illegal to remove any rocks, pebbles and stones without a permit.
But remember – while you can look and take photos of animals and plants, it is illegal to remove any animals or plants from rocky reefs in SA (from high tide down to 2 m). It's fine to take home a few of the empty shells that you find washed up on the beach – but just make sure they are really empty.
Customs check that the shells are 'clean'. The shells they use are the everyday ones collected on the beach, they are not restricted items. Be careful of the photo albums / notebooks that have things like banana leaf as a 'covering'. These can and will be taken from you.
Is It Legal to Take Shells From the Beach in New Zealand? Yes! The DOC says so right here! You can collect shells in New Zealand, and it's legal to take them out of the country.
Thirty-two of the islands are protected as the Whitsunday Islands National Park – including Whitsunday, Hook, Hamilton and Hayman – but it remains our responsibility to reduce human impact as much as possible. Leave shells and plants where you find them: the only thing you should take with you is your rubbish.
Is Collecting Sand Illegal? Collecting sand is illegal. It is considered a crime and theft in most parts of the world. This is especially true for areas of the world where some beaches are part of protected national parks.
1. The Conus Gloriamaris. The Conus Gloriamaris is a cone-shaped shell that was considered one of the rarest and most valuable shells in the world for almost 200 years—beginning with its initial discovery and ending with the discovery of its habitat in 1969.