Molluscs in the marine curio and souvenir trade in NE Brazil: species composition and implications for their conservation and management

Abstract

Marine molluscs are sold all over the world as curios and souvenirs. This market encompasses about 5,000 species of molluscs (bivalves and gastropods) worldwide, but the mollusc species involved in this trade are undocumented in all but a very small number of countries. The present study provides a baseline assessment of the mollusc species used in the manufacture of crafts, marine curiosities and souvenirs in northeastern Brazil. A total of 126 species (41 bivalves and 85 gastropods) were found to be sold individually as decorative pieces or incorporated into utilitarian objects. Overall, the families most represented were Veneridae bivalves (9 species) and the gastropods Conidae and Strombidae (8 species each). Large gastropod shells were observed in all of the localities surveyed (mainly as part of table lamps). The main species used were the King helmet Cassis tuberosa, the Hebrew volute Voluta ebraea, and the Goliath conch Eustrombus goliath. The majority of the species involved are harvested from the Atlantic Ocean (68%), but many are imported from Indo-Pacific countries, such as cowries Monetaria moneta. Among the species harvested in the Atlantic Ocean, 11.2% are endemic to Brazil as, for example, the Brazilian chank (Turbinella laevigata). The majority of the species sold in northeastern Brazil tend to inhabit shallow habitats, which facilitates their capture. As there are no official statistics available concerning the marine curio and souvenir trade in Brazil, some species may be endangered. Harvesting regulations should include minimum capture sizes, capture quotas, specific periods for harvesting, and the use of non-destructive techniques.

What do we know about Cassis tuberosa (Mollusca: Cassidae), a heavily exploited marine gastropod?

“…In Brazil, Gasparini et al (2005) cite C. tuberosa as one of the main species of marine invertebrates exploited for the trade of souvenirs, and they are captured mainly through bottom trawls. In the northeast of Brazil, according to Dias et al (2011), large C. tuberosa shells are the main targets for use in the manufacture of table lamps and for sale of individual shells in outdoor markets. In addition, some littoral states are used in crafts ( Figure 5).…”

“…The species has a heavy and large shell, reaching up to 30 cm in total length (Ardila et al 2002), and occurs from 1 to 10 m deep (Rios 2009). Due to the beauty of its shell in all growth stages (Figure 1), C. tuberosa has been the target of fishing for decades for ornamental purposes and to supply trade in souvenirs and marine curiosities (Dias et al 2011).…”

Can private management compensate the ineffective marine reserves in China?

“…Selling souvenir made of shells and corals sends the wrong message and indirectly encourages tourists to illegally collect corals and shells from the reef and beaches. Many studies have also suggested to legislate the regulation of trading marine curio and souvenir to protect endangered species (e.g., Dias et al 2011). However, many of the marine products from giant clams, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles in these PMMRs were already protected under Chinese regulation in Sanya.…”

Illegal import of mollusc shells to Poland: species composition and trade routes

“…Mollusc shells, especially marine, have always been an object of human interest (GösslinG et al 2004, diAs et al 2011. Since the beginning of human culture, they have been used as tools, raw materials for industries, jewellery, currency, magical or religious symbols, as well as motifs in architecture, sculpture and paintings (sAmek 1992, clAAssen 1998, GösslinG et al 2004, VenkAtesAn 2010, diAs et al 2011.…”

“…In the global trade, they are also offered as parts of decorative, utilitarian or non-utilitarian artefacts, and even as contemplative items (Wood & Wells 1995, diAs et al 2011.…”