About Seashells

People who have been playing on the beach for hundreds of years have been interested in discovering special shells and other interesting sea creatures. This is one of the reasons why the sea is so attractive. Collecting seashells as tourist souvenirs at the beach seems to be a normal thing.

“But does collecting seashells have an impact on the marine ecosystem?”

Related experimental report

Members began observing changes in the number of shells on the beach in 1978, and the study covered two time periods.

Years ago, Llarga was one of the few pristine beaches in Spain. There was no trace of human activity here. The beach at that time was just like it was thousands of years ago.

Time

Visitors to Llarga beach triple

The number of shells on the beach has dropped by 60%

Ecological and Environmental Impacts of Reduced Shells

Beach Degradation

Shell material scattered along shorelines can stabilize sediments by forming pavements that impede sediment movement, and shell loss may alter the rate and pattern of shoreline sediment erosion.

Affects Calcium Carbonate Cycle

Shells settle on the seafloor, storing calcium carbonate for long periods of time and becoming an important carbon sink. Shells on beaches play an important role in ocean carbon pools.

Iimpact On Biodiversity

Shells anchor seagrass and serve as homes for hermit crabs, building materials for seabirds, and more. Decreased shells may also have negative impacts on a wide range of organisms.

Ecological Functions of Seashells

Modeling of the Shell Ecosystem

Posters Display

Video Showcase

3D Printed Model