Amnesty/ Bringing Back Conch Shells

[rjones69]

Last week on our cruise folks were scavenging conch shells off of the beach on C.C. I would categorize these as items that can not be brought back into the states per the USDA. Is this correct or not?

 

[HooKooDooKu]

I think it depends wether or not the Conch is still using it.

 

[Kimnicki]

I'm not sure about the USDA but I do remember Disney asking you to leave the shells on the beach. I specifically remember telling my DS and DD to leave the shells that they had collected during the day.

The following is a quote from CarolAnnC:
"it is NOT ok to take even one small shell. That is clearly posted by Disney Cruise Line on Castaway Cay which is their private island.With upwards of 8,000 people visiting Castaway Cay weekly, it would be stripped bare if they were to allow "souvenirs" to be taken from the natural habitat"



Kim

 

[jkovick]

Empty shells aren't a problem, it's if there's a live animal inside then that's a problem.

 

[markºoº]

DCL does specifically ask you not to remove any shells. But as with other rules, I'm sure some people think this rule does not apply to them or is a silly rule they don't need to follow.

Lets see, about 8,000 people visit CC every week. I think the place would be picked clean in no time if they didn't have this rule.

 

[CinderellaIam]

Not allowed....

Disney specifically asks that you " Leave only foot prints, take only memories".

It is vital for the eco system to be left in-tact.

 

[jkovick]

I agree that Disney's policy is "take only pictures......."
But in terms of the OP's question on USDA legality, removing a live animal is a problem as opposed to just shells.

 

[Aisling]

I actually asked my Costco tyravel agent about this, and he said while it's "legal" do take the shells, it's against the wishes of DCL, which is trying to preserve the natural beauty and not be stripped bare of shells. Shells will wash up all the time, but sometimes the beautiful large conchs wash up and I wish they would be left there for all of us to enjoy.

It'll be difficult for me, but I won't be taking any shells from CC. Now from the other islands we port, I don't have a problem with taking shells off the beach.