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It might come as a surprise, but in Costa Rica, removing seashells from the beach is not only discouraged, it’s against the law. According to Wildlife Conservation Law No. 7317, it is illegal to take wildlife, its parts, or byproducts, and that includes shells, without permission.
What may seem like a harmless souvenir can actually disrupt a delicate balance in nature.
Seashells aren’t just lifeless objects washed up on shore. They are essential components of marine ecosystems. Formed by mollusks like snails, clams, oysters, and sea urchins, these shells once served as protective homes. After being vacated, they continue to serve important roles. Hermit crabs rely on them for shelter. Birds use broken pieces to build nests. Small fish find hiding places among them. Even when they eventually break down, they become nutrients for other organisms or are absorbed into the sand, helping prevent beach erosion.
On a broader level, seashells help keep the ocean’s chemistry in check. By releasing calcium carbonate, they help stabilize pH levels in seawater, which is vital to the health of countless marine species.
Costa Rica has become a global leader in nature protection and sustainability. Over a quarter of the country’s land is protected through national parks and reserves. It has banned recreational hunting, invested heavily in reforestation, and generates the vast majority of its electricity from renewable sources. Tourists from around the world visit not only for the beaches but to witness firsthand a country that takes conservation seriously and integrates it into daily life. The commitment runs deep, from legislation to education to community initiatives.
Taking shells may not feel like a crime, but it removes something that nature still needs. That’s why it’s considered wildlife trafficking in Costa Rica and is punishable by fines.
So, on your next visit to the coast, whether in Costa Rica or anywhere else, resist the urge to pocket a shell. Take a photo instead. Let the shell stay where it belongs — in the ecosystem, not your suitcase.
What we choose to leave behind says more about us than what we take with us.
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