Who do contact to find out what is permissible to collect

[tndiverdude]

I was wondering with people bringing things up from the bottom when they are diving like coral pieces, shells etc. I was wondering who do you contact to find out what is permissible to collect.
I know here in the Smokies you go to the ranger station to get permits to collect plants and nuts and other items. So does the same thing apply to where and when you dive?

jimmy

[bigman241]

well unsure about in the ocean. I am buying a cabin by a lake here localy i was told that if you cut a branch from a tree in the park you go to jail
do not pass go do not collect 200 dollars.
Good question as i planned to bring stuff up when i dive when i get my ow

[annasea]

I've brought back numerous seashells from Florida and the Philippines, and sea biscuits from the Bahamas and have never had a problem. I would think as long as there are no live creatures involved, it wouldn't be an issue. I'm curious to know if anyone else has experienced something different though.

[ektess1]

Did you enjoy finding the pretty shells? Was the coral pretty? Will the next diver enjoy it?
No, of course not, it is sitting on your mantel.

Let others enjoy it in its natural enviroment.

Take only pictures. Leave only bubbles.

[sea princess]

I agree. I don't think anything should be removed unless you find it washed up on the beach. Unless it is garbage then it needs to be removed.

[5513]

In Bonaire you can not remove anything. Some of the Pacific Islands are less restrictive. I usually buy from a gift shop rather than remove from the sea.

[fireflock]

It depends on what you want to collect and where you are. Can you narrow the area a bit?

[Monkeylemon]

I know in the U.S. Virgin Islands you're not supposed to take anything away.

[Rockhound76]

In most parks and with many operators, taking anything is verbotten.

I have mixed feelings. Most "empty" shells aren't really empty, or they represent "future homes" for a variety of critters, so I don't bother them.

I'll admit that I used to have a spot I'd "work" for nice shells years ago. At a depth of 65-80' in a tide washed channel I knew of a hole that would collect most anything. Over the years, I picked up some beautiful whelks, conchs, etc. in there. I also picked up a spent "range missile" a boat anchor, a nice jetfin (for a one-legged diver) and once, a small tri-hull speedboat.

There was no "leaving it" for the next guy as the following tide change would churn the old stuff to hash and deposit new shells.

Still, on my last visit, I didn't pick anything up. I had enough "shelling" and these days, I don't bother unless it is something really unique (and dead and empty, etc.)

Heck, I spearfish, too. That sure isn't "leaving it all alone".

[gthomas]

In Cozumel if they find it they keep it-no shells,sponges or anything from the sea. In Bonaire my sister bought some coral at a garage sale, they didn't care were she bought it at they keep it anyway.