Tampa Bay area shell collectors offer tips for smart collecting on local seashores

Affection for shells, community and education are at the heart of organizations like the St. Petersburg Shell Club. Shellers like the club's John and Cheryl Jacobs stress ethical shelling and seeking more information about the beautiful shells brought home from a day at the beach. And they're not alone.

Gulf Coast sheller Jojo shares tips on shelling responsibility, and so does Sarasota resident Kristen Williams, who goes by @theseashellmermaid on Instagram and TikTok.

Look below for basic tips on ethical sea shelling on Florida beaches.
JoJo

• Know some shells you’re looking for before you go by reading and referencing seashell guidebooks. Be patient—look for shells in piles along the shoreline and in the shallow water.

Kristen Williams

• “The time you go is important. Follow the tides and try to go during the least busy times of the day. Remember the amount of shells on the beach can look different each day, and the ocean never guarantees us anything.”
• “Be mindful of the keys to ethical shelling when you go. There are other creatures that rely on seashells for shelter and protection. These keys help to protect the environment and keep this wonderful hobby sustainable. It’s also important to read up on local laws before collecting, as it is prohibited in some places.”

John Jacobs

• “Join a shell club. Go to shell shows. Even if you don’t really want to join a club, go to a shell show and see what they’re like in Florida. You’re in a great place right here in Florida for shell shows.”
• Check out museums like the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and local shops like the historic Shell Store in Largo.

More resources

• FWC: Recreational sea shell collecting rules
• Pinellas County Beaches & Shells Guide
• Visit Florida: Best beaches for shell collecting

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