The Shell Collector's Code of Ethics

I realize that mollusks are port of our precious natural wildlife resources. Therefore:

• I WILL make every effort to protect and preserve them not only for my own future enjoyment, but for the benefit of generations to come;
• I WILL always leave every shelling spot as undisturbed as possible.
• I WILL take only those specimens needed for my collection and for exchange at the time...shells in a box cannot reproduce while I am waiting for a place to send them.
• I WILL leave behind the damaged and young specimens so that they may live and multiply.
• I WILL NOT collect live egg cases unless they are to be used for study and then only small quantities.
• I WILL NEVER "clean out a colony" of shells.
• I WILL practice and promote these conservation rules in every way possible.