Shells as Collector’s Items

Shell collecting, and the more scientific discipline of conchology, have a long history, and the general activity has made significant contributions to art, commerce and science since at least the seventeenth century. Modern shell collecting encompasses a wide range of molluscan families and species, including numerous bivalve taxa, and collections may be developed via a range of methods including self-collection, purchase from specialised dealers, exchange or from older collections. The fundamentals of building and maintaining a scientifically-valid specimen shell collection are discussed, including the role of conchological organisations in promoting shell collecting and increasing awareness of the activity. The International shell trade can be locally significant, and some trends in shell collecting are presented, with a particular focus on the most popular bivalve families and online specimen-shell sales. The issues of sustainable harvesting, regulation and enforcement are discussed. However, the importance of shell collections and collectors in relation to molluscan taxonomy is also presented, as is their relevance to environmental awareness and potential role in enabling people to better interact with and understand the marine environment. A number of important and highly collectable bivalve species are presented as examples.