THE ETHICAL BEACHCOMBER

Disturb the beach as little as possible.
Try not to disrupt the shore ecosystem by using tools such as trowels or shovels to dig for treasure. Panning with mesh trays or sifting through shell beds to find things is fine. But digging large holes in the sand or gauging cliffsides for fossils can be dangerous for other people and harmful to the beach ecology. Remember: if you have to dig for it, its not beachcombing.

Never kill a mollusk for its shell.
If you find live sea animals stranded on the shore, toss them back in the water if you want. But otherwise, leave mollusks in their natural habitats. And don’t destroy the natural balance of nature. A shell may be beautiful, but so is the animal that calls it home.

Never litter.
In fact, sometimes you might want to carry an extra trash bag along to collect litter as you ‘comb.

Be selective. Never take more than you need.

At the end of each search, take a moment to sort through your treasures. Select your favorites then either share the rest away or re-gift it to the sea or shore for others to find.

Be of goodwill. Be inclusive, not exclusive.

Beachcombers—generally a friendly lot—don’t care how you look, how much money you make or if you’re wearing the latest fashion. They are more interested in comparing notes, trading artifacts or maybe even planning ‘combing expeditions together. So share good beaches and research tips, swap reference books and trade artifacts with others. You will be repaid tenfold.