Leave the sea shells, save the shores: Why Visakhapatnam’s marine ecosystem needs them

Discover the importance of sea shells in marine ecosystems and the need for conservation efforts along Visakhapatnam's coastline.

The ocean has always called to us with its rhythmic waves, endless mysteries and treasures scattered along the shore. Most of us are drawn by the glimmer of a seashell, a tiny piece of the sea we long to take home. But chances are that shell you want is being used – or will be shortly. A spiralled shell could shelter a hermit crab seeking a safe home. An abandoned conch shell might be the perfect refuge for a shy octopus.

Last Sunday, as part of the International Earth Day initiative, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India, in association with East Coast Conservation Team (ECCT), organised a unique intertidal walk at Rushikonda Beach, Visakhapatnam. Titled Be a Shell Detective, the walk engaged participants in discovering the diverse marine life that thrives along the shore, particularly sea shells. The walk offered insights into the various species of shells found along the coast. However, rather than taking them home as souvenirs, the collected shells were returned to the shore, reinforcing their ecological significance.

“Despite repeated instructions, many participants couldn’t resist touching the shells, some of which can be venomous, like cone shells,” observes Honey Seles from WWF India. “This demonstrates knowledge gap and the need for awareness about the role of sea shells in the marine ecosystem.”

The Visakhapatnam coastline is home to about 300 documented species of sea shells, five of which are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of India. One such example is the windowpane oyster, found in rocky shores and estuaries, which is often harvested for its meat. Other commonly-found shells include the Arabian carpet cowrie and ocellate cowrie, while olive snails and nerites are frequently spotted along the east coast.

Among these, cone snails stand out not just for their striking beauty but also for their venomous nature. “If you spot one, maintain a safe distance,” warns Pranav Tamarapalli of ECCT. “Its venom can cause temporary paralysis.”

Interestingly, Pranav’s journey into marine research began with a fascination for sea shells in his childhood. “I used to collect umboniums from the Bhimli estuaries and store them outside my house, as bringing shells inside was considered inauspicious. I soon noticed robins using them to decorate their nests, which piqued my curiosity and led me to study their significance. Today, I see my niece doing the same, which underscores how naturally children connect with sea shells and coastal ecosystems. This is why guided intertidal walks play a crucial role in conservation,” he says. A marine researcher, Pranav educates people on the importance of preserving these marine treasures in their natural habitat.

Despite legal protections like the Wildlife Protection Act, enforcement mechanisms for marine species conservation in India remain weak, with challenges such as inadequate monitoring, low conviction rates, and insufficient awareness among coastal communities. In other parts of the world like in Florida, USA, recreational sea shell collection is generally permitted, but one must ensure shells do not contain living organisms. Collecting sea shells from protected areas is prohibited there.