Should We Ban The Sale Of Nautilus Shells?

by | Oct 12, 2014 | Conservation, Science | 0 comments

nautilus-shell

Nautilus shells are beautiful, no doubt about it. These mollusks are also fairly rare. They are only found in the deep sea of the Indo-Pacific. Their gorgeous shells are also in demand. More than 100,000 shells (according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)) are imported into the U.S. each year, to be sold in stores or online. Additionally, the iridescent nacre on the inside of the shell is desired for its decorative use and for use as pearl buttons. A new study by Peter Ward, Professor at the University of Adelaide in Australia, suggests this level of trade is not sustainable. Ward states: “There is no sustainable fishery for nautilus possible anywhere. ” Ward’s study suggest that Nautilus are already almost gone due to over-fishing in places like the Philippines. There is very little restrictions or regulations on Nautilus collection. Ward, along with other conservationists have tried to make the Nautilus protected. The FWS has claimed there was not enough statistical data to support the proposition that the Nautilus needed protective status. Hopefully the more data and awareness there is, the better chance of getting protection for these amazing mollusks. MORE

 

  • Francis Yupangco

    Francis is a marine biologist with an MBA and over 20 years of professional aquarium experience. Francis is the former Aquatic Development Manager at Hagen USA., makers of Fluval brand aquarium products. He co-stars on Nat Geo WILD's reality TV series Fish Tank Kings where he is the resident "Fish Geek" and was Director of Marketing at Living Color Aquariums. He is an avid explorer having visited over 45 countries and lived in 7. At 17, he was among the youngest aquarists ever hired by the Vancouver Aquarium, where he worked for 7 years. His aquatic biology experience ranges from larval fish rearing to the design, construction and operational management of renowned public aquariums around the world. Francis is currently head of marketing at the world's largest vertically integrated fish farming company.

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