Can you take shells off Sanibel Island?

Because seashells are important to the islands' chain of life, and because Sanibel and Captiva are refuge islands where all life is considered precious, the State of Florida has outlawed the collecting of live shells on the island.

How many shells can you take from Sanibel Island?

As a result, the MFC passed a special Sanibel Shelling Rule (MFC Rule Chapter 46-26) restricting live shell collection to two specimens of any one species per person per day. This rule also required all non-residents to possess a State saltwater products fishing license, a little known and often ignored regulation.

Is it legal to pick up shells in Florida?

Collecting seashells is generally allowed on public beaches and shoreline areas in Florida, as long as the shells have no living creatures within them. The same shelling rules apply to starfish, sand dollars and sea urchins in many areas: If the creature is alive, leave it alone.

Can you collect shells on shell Island?

Sand dollars, moon snails, conch shells, pin shells, periwinkles, whelk and olive shells are just a few of the indigenous seashells found here. And, as long as there are no creatures living in them, there is no limit to how many of these one-of-a-kind souvenirs you can take home with you.

Is it OK to take shells from the beach?

In a study more than 30 years in the making, researchers have found that the removal of shells from beaches could damage ecosystems and endanger organisms that rely on shells for their survival.

Looking for sea shells after a storm. Sanibel Island low-tide, post storm shelling.

How many shells can you take from the beach?

For example, Batemans Marine Park in NSW requires shell collectors to obtain a permit if they wish to collect more than 10 kg of shells and/or shell grit. Others impose a recreational “bag limit” of anywhere between five and 50 shells per day.

Where is best shelling on Sanibel Island?

Turner Beach is the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. Its relatively low number of visitors and rare variety of seashells make it a haven for all shellers. Whether you are starting your collection or adding to your current one, make the trip past all the other astounding beaches.

What is the best month for shelling on Sanibel Island?

Although January, February and March are some of the best months to go shelling on Sanibel and Captiva, Stefanie Wolf, a marine biologist at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, said that because of the high winds the islands have been experiencing this spring, now is an opportune time to go shelling.

Can you take conch shells from Florida?

Recreational collection of empty seashells is allowed in Florida, but the conch shells Fiscal-Gonzalez collected contained organisms inside. Taking a living queen conch is illegal.

How do you shell on Sanibel Island?

If you want to go shelling, bring a bucket or net bag and scoop. Wear shoes and shuffle to expose partially hidden mollusks and to scare away fish. With the abundance of shells on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island you are sure to have a successful day of shelling, not matter what your level of skill.

Can you take sand dollars from Sanibel Island?

You may collect sand dollars but first check to make sure that the sand dollar is not alive - turn it over - there are little centipede feet up and down the backside - gently touch them with your finger to see if they move, if they do it's alive and you should gently place it back into the water.

Can you take sand dollars from Sanibel?

We often find sand dollars on our beaches, and their beautiful skeletons make a great souvenir, but it's illegal to collect them when they are alive.

Can you take dead sand dollars from the beach in Florida?

In Florida, as long as the sand dollar is dead when you find it, it's perfectly legal to take it home from the beach. However, taking live sand dollars and “drying” them is considered harvesting a live organism and is subject to regulation by local and state authorities.

What happened to all the shells on Sanibel Island?

In the late 20th-century, locals started worrying that out-of-towners were pillaging too many shells. As a conservation measure, Sanibel banned the collection of any shells with their original mollusks living inside, as well as any sand dollars, starfish and sea urchins.

Is it illegal to take a live sand dollar in Florida?

It is important to know that if you pick up a shell with a live animal in it, or a sand dollar, starfish or other sealife that is alive, you need to put it back. Taking live creatures from their habitat on a Florida beach is illegal and can result in hefty fines.

Why does Sanibel Island get so many shells?

A Unique Geography. The reason why Sanibel Island and Captiva Island beaches in particular are filled with shells is because both are barrier islands that are part of a large plateau in the Gulf of Mexico. A ground level swell pushes shells to this natural “shelf” and on to its beaches largely in tact.

What is the best beach in Florida to find seashells?

Can you bring sand home from Florida?

Is it legal to take sand back from the beach? While some tourists may be guilty of this seemingly harmless act, removing sand from many coastal states in the United States like Hawaii, California, or Florida is in fact illegal.

Which shell is the most popular on Sanibel Island *?

The fighting conch is one of the most common shells on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and you can recognize it by looking out for the brilliant orange color. Also lookout for the lightning whelk, which can grow up to 16 inches long and lays its eggs in papery egg case streamers that you might also see onshore.

How much is a Junonia shell worth?

They're highly sought-after for their beauty and rarity. People who may not be able to visit Sanibel or Marco Island may still want to own one. Smaller Junonia shells, measuring three inches or smaller, could sell for $30 to $40. Larger shells, measuring four inches or more, could go for $80 to $100!

Can you find shark teeth on Sanibel Island?

The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are renowned for the beautiful shells that wash up onto the sand. However, visitors may be wondering, where are all the shark teeth? If you travel a bit farther north, you will hit a hotspot for these teeth – Venice Beach.

Which is better for shelling Sanibel or Captiva?

Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is.

What time of day is best to find seashells?

The best time, in general, is at low tide especially when the tides are low early in the morning. Finding seashells is often a matter of being on the beach at the right time. It is especially good after strong winds or storms. Low spring tides during full moon or new moon periods can be even better than usual.

What is the rarest shell on Sanibel Island?

The rarest shell is the Junonia, also known as the Scaphella junonia. The great news is you can find it here on Sanibel Island. They are hard to find though. They are typically found a foot beneath the sand, closer to dunes.

Is it legal to collect shells?

No, it's not illegal. I wouldn't collect from a beach where there was an official sign to discourage or forbid it, but if there wasn't I would think it ok to pick a few items. Shells and driftwood are renewable, rock material less so IMO.