Seashell Saturday

I have something different today.

I came across an article from The New York Times about the over harvesting, or over fishing, of the Chambered Nautilus.

These creatures have incredibly beautiful shells, that is true...but to harvest them to extinction is very sad. The nautilus has been dwelling in the sea for half a billion years. They are called a Living Fossil. To think that there won't be any live specimens in their natural environment for future generations to enjoy isn't only sad, it's appalling.



Many chambered nautilus are harvested to create what is called an Osmena Pearl. It isn't really a pearl, but a jewelry product derived from the beautiful opalescent, iridescent layer inside the shell.

The United States imported 579,000 specimens between 2005-2008. That number is shocking to me.

Marine biologists are lobbying for protection of the nautilus under the same United Nations rules that protect other endangered species.

I have 2 nautilus shells. One was a gift from Grandma in 1984, and I have bought one myself....but after learning what I have, there won't be anymore nautilus bought around here.

Please be a good beachcomber, or diver....never take live shells!

Thanks for joining me today, and I hope you take this post to heart!

I hope to see you tomorrow for Seashore Sunday!

Have a super SAFE shelling Saturday!

Love,
Del