Saturday 20 April 2024 13:10:04 PHT

Reader Comments on 'Sea Shells, Take Them or Leave Them?'

Bohol can pride itself in the interest of many biologists who specialize in the study of shells, as Bohol is one of the most richest habitats of sea shells. Many shells are even unique to Bohol. Although some shells can savely be collected, a number of species are endangered, and critical to the subsitance of the coral reefs, and should be avoided as souvenirs.

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ss chrishan wrote:
Monday, 16 June 2014 01:57:58 PHT
i have triton shells left turning more then 5 inches pls contact me sebastianchrishan@gmail.com ss chrishan
Abdul wrote:
Monday, 7 April 2014 00:54:40 PHT
Hi everyone I am looking for a left turning tritons trumpet. I have a buyer for it. If anyone can get me one please contact infinitibiz@yahoo.com
Mike T wrote:
Friday, 3 August 2012 10:48:57 PHT
While visiting Bohol a few weeks ago, we bought some shells from one of the many peddlers on the catamaran tour. As we were leaving for the States, my wife was stopped at the airport screening and was told that she had to take the shells out of her luggage and turn them in to the quarantine/ conservancy desk. They aren't allowed to leave the Country apparently. We only paid a few.pesos for them so it was no big loss. Wish we knew beforehand though.
Jazz Lassie wrote:
Wednesday, 6 July 2011 06:54:18 PHT
I once saw a few of these at a store and even though it was 200 dollars, I was practically salivating, I wanted it so much. Thank god my parents pinned me down and dragged me out the store lol xD. Now a University student studying biology, I'm more interested in the conservation of this incredible (live) animal than the skeleton. I hope others will share this insight. =)
Tito Estrada wrote:
Saturday, 20 June 2009 03:12:02 PHT
I am an artist from Manila and I would like to share with photos of my paintings- acrylic paintings on canvas that features Philippine seashells, real and authentic seashells incorporated into the paintings and painted with acrylic paints. I would like to invite you to visit my website for sample photos of my works. I have done three solo shows in Manila and in New York City. Please visit www.titoestrada.com.

Nice. It would be great if you could add some bigger reproductions of your work on your site.--Jeroen.

David Green wrote:
Monday, 9 February 2009 18:27:06 PHT
I'll be visiting the Philippines for the first time in March. One reason I'm going is to study about and to view the sea shells. I teach marine studies at my camp and have a special interest in sea shells. Are there particular shells that one is able to purchase and bring back to Japan? The shells we have in our Discovery Room at camp come from all over the world as gifts or are ones we've bought through catalogs. Thanks very much for your help. David
Brian wrote:
Friday, 8 August 2008 21:24:03 PHT
Okinawa is no stranger to the ravenous Crown-of-Thorns, but the Triton's Trumpet over here is not all that disappearing, despite many shops lining shelves with both them and ridiculous ornamentations made from them. I have probably found over 30+ triton's Trumpets in the waters in 2-3 years alone. Many divers I know hide them from others or break their tips to discourage taking of them. In the Philippines, I don't think the laws carry much weight, judging from my experiences down there on giant clam farms, unfortunately.
Mack wrote:
Tuesday, 23 October 2007 20:16:10 PHT
Hey Rolf Cant you read, The triton is one of the few natural enemies of the crown of thorns starfish, leave them alone dont buy them, you only encourage their destruction, which in turn destroys the Reefs, since the crown of thorns infestations destroy the reefs.
Inagodadiveda wrote:
Saturday, 1 September 2007 05:14:23 PHT
To truly study a leaf, one need not take it to a laboratory, dissect it thus removing it from its environment and totally misunderstanding its purpose. One needs to see it , view it, study it on the tree. During seasonal change... on the ground and its whole metamorphosis. Likewise, shells. Enjoy them where they are. This whole human fascination with capture and own to display is revolting.
Juli Lyon wrote:
Monday, 23 July 2007 12:14:21 PHT
While in the Phillipines we were told that the large Conch Shell (which horns have been made of) could not leave the phillipines but it could not be explained as to why. Are these also on the endangered list? Or what?

Currently, there is almost a blanket ban on bringing seashells, for the simple reason that it is near impossible for customs officials to distinguish endangered species from more common one.--Jeroen.

Cassandra Macapagal wrote:
Friday, 22 June 2007 04:49:05 PHT
I've just read the article. You said that crown of thorns are pests right? Actually, we are interested in making it the subject of our research this year. I hope we can get some information from you regarding how abundant it is in Bohol, or how are we going to take it here in Manila. please please please!!! we will be waiting for your reply.
Alifereti Qauqau wrote:
Thursday, 17 May 2007 07:19:27 PHT
Has there been any work tried towards the culture of Triton Trumpet Shells. If so, I would be interested to hear more or receive any literature on it. Many of our reefs are dying because of an outbreak of Crown of thorns starfish...just because we have removed the number one predator far too much through shell or curio market.
Rolf Keller wrote:
Tuesday, 13 June 2006 20:17:34 PHT
I have something to ask for, by July this year I take my holiday in the Philippines, my question is if I can buy here in Alona beach I think 2 pieces of triton trumpet as my souvenir from Bohol and later I bring this back in Europe as my home place. Thanks for your response to me Jeroen Hellingman.

The triton is a protected species on the CITES list. When caught with it in your personal luggage, you can expect it to be confiscated, and a heavy fine. If not in the Philippines they will at your home country. I know they are offered for sale in Alona Beach, but better just leave it there.--Jeroen.

Wison wrote:
Friday, 28 April 2006 10:04:37 PHT
I think we should ask the people who knows how to propagate shells and reintroduce it to the wild. like the giant clam of hundred island, ask our hero politicians to get the job done.

If you want to do so, you assume they somewhere have shells to propagate, and assume that the root cause of the problem has been resolved. Both are not the case: many types of shells are only alive in their own habitat, not in aquariums, not even in other countries. Also, as long as people continue to take shells away, it helps little to introduce a few...--Jeroen.

Doug Martin wrote:
Sunday, 12 March 2006 05:29:11 PHT
I understand there are organized teams of divers who's job it is to kill Crown of Thorns 'round the clock. Who are these people? What organization sponsors them? Are they volunteers or paid by someone? I'd be interested in any information you can offer. Thank you.
Ringo Roque Dadole wrote:
Tuesday, 20 December 2005 15:20:20 PHT
Tourist attraction??? Are you sure you can't disturb the living diversity of the organisms especially the sea shells that occupies on that area??? I want to know more about this site???? Can you send some fact sheet or related materials that can satisfy me???? Plsssssssss............... Ringo Roque Dadole Zone 3, Linangkayan, Naawan 9023 Misamis Oriental Philippines ringo1430@yahoo.com 09189422077
Richard H. Schneider wrote:
Tuesday, 27 September 2005 00:35:55 PHT
Anyone know of a way to farm or cultivate the Triton Trumpet? Might do the reefs some good by satsifying the shell trade and collectors from another source.
Cassandra wrote:
Monday, 5 September 2005 06:52:45 PHT
Right now I am looking for all kinds of seashells but most of the expensive ones, but I don't know what ones are worth money and not. I think all seashells should be worth money because most of them are very different but very nice and pretty also, so I think thats what it should be for now on but I can't change the law so I guess I'm going to have to deal with it,right?,or maybe one day my wish will come true.(probably not but oh well maybe fifty years from now but I don't think I'm going to be alive)
Jenny wrote:
Monday, 5 September 2005 06:45:19 PHT
How do you know if they are a lot of money or not? Are there a lot of different seashells?
Dave wrote:
Saturday, 11 June 2005 12:56:45 PHT
The "Crown of Thorns" starfish is dangerous as well as destructive. Readers should be aware that the starfish can deliver a sting which lasts for weeks. Many snorkelers and divers cut these up in the water thinking they have helped. In fact, they have created more of a problem. To kill a Crown of Thorns, it should be removed from the water. Experienced divers often will reem the middle, allowing fish to finish the job. Again, caution in handling is paramount. Not normally deadly but very painful.
koonalissur wrote:
Wednesday, 30 March 2005 20:11:55 PHT
how do do this about your shells
Grace P. Sapuay wrote:
Wednesday, 26 January 2005 12:38:58 PHT
Hi! This article is very informative. I have graduated with a degree in marine science but I didn't know that the triton's trumpet is the main enemy of crown-of- thorns starfish (which is the main enemy of corals, aside from humans). If this is the case, by all means, we must protect this seashell species. Maybe I should do a more extensive research on seashells of the Philippines. Any suggestions where I can find some funding to do this?
Amy wrote:
Monday, 24 January 2005 11:37:29 PHT
I am researching on the conch seashell in the Phillipines. Where to find them or its origin. It is the one that you put close to your ears & hear a sound. can you help please. Best Regards, amy
Albino Collecchia wrote:
Monday, 29 November 2004 09:02:27 PHT
Interested in starting exotic sea shell collection. find me something special.
PETER TIU wrote:
Monday, 15 December 2003 20:59:17 PHT
It is a very interesting and educational article. I agree most tourists should buy post-cards of the shell rather than the skeleton of the shell. More work should be done in this respect.
Jeffrey wrote:
Sunday, 7 September 2003 11:43:24 PHT
Hi, Nice pictures, but I wish you could give their local names. Jeffrey

I have quite a comprehensive guide on Philippine Shells, but it hardly ever lists local names... even finding the official, scientific, names is often difficult, and I expect few only actually have local names, and even those apply to entire families of related shells.--Jeroen.

Ttc wrote:
Tuesday, 25 February 2003 14:05:24 PHT
A well-written and persuasive article. Make me think twice about purchasing these shells.

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