Let's Unbox! Exotic Seashells From New Zealand | Unboxing Rare Shells!

New Zealand is just "across the pond" but in actuality, it is a 1600km distance from Australia's most southern point to the closest beaches of our isolated neighbour. Our two countries have long since shared a strong friendship, and I've never felt it more than in this moment! Thank you so much to Ruth for sending me these wonderful shells that I may never have gotten to opportunity to collect otherwise. I will cherish them for the rest of my life!
You can check out Ruth's Instagram here: / ruth_pukeruabay
To all of my lovely viewers as well; thank you so much for watching something different today, and of course, let me know if you have a favourite too? I honestly had a lot of trouble picking just one!!
My Socials:
Facebook: / sandcoffeerocks
Instagram: / sand.coffee.rocks
Attributions:
Map of Australia and New Zealand with Eastern Inset [Author: Goran tek-en]: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Naturalis Biodiversity Center - RMNH.MOL.202235 - Busycon carica (Gmelin, 1791) - Buccinidae - Mollusc shell [Author: Naturalis Biodiversity Center]: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Thank you!!

[@francescocorrias6633]

Ooo....my.... God...Maddie 😮!!! What a precious treasure you got from New Zealand . Those shells are unreachable for the all world . Compliments ❤❤❤❤

[@alisonh890]

Oh Maddie, slaver slaver slaver! How gorgeous were those shells. I loved the volutes, especially the smallest two. The dark markings were almost like Egyptian hyroglyphs. The saw shells were beautiful like rising suns, never seen anything like those. All so wonderful though. Thankyou for sharing these with us and thank you Ruth. ❤

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Alison 👋🏻💖 Haha, what, how am I a slaver 😂? Am I holding these shells against their will and whipping them into work so they look more fabulous? Wow, this started to sound a bit BDSM didn't it 🤣 Oh my goodness, those Arabic Volutes are too amazing for words 😲 I didn't think of it like hieroglyphs until you said it, but yes, or maybe even a foreign calligraphy script? It's super cool, anyway 😎 The Saw Shells are like nothing I've seen before; I can only like them vaguely to a Sun Carrier Shell which I've only seen pictures of from a friend. Definitely like a ray of pink sunshine, that's for sure 🌞💖 As always Alison, thank you so much for watching 🥰

[@FlorenceSheung]

Wow, this is my first time looking at seashells from New Zealand 🤩🤩 Thank you Maddie and Ruth for sharing. Really appreciate your efforts and generosity. Maddie can soon start a seashell museum 😍😍

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Florence 👋🏻💖 My goodness, it was my first time too! It's crazy to think that a lot of these beautiful shells are considered common on the beaches there, particularly the wheel shells and colourful moon snails 🐌❤️ Thank you for giving Ruth a shout-out, she really deserves all the thanks we can give her. Haha, a shell museum huh?! Well, I'm well on me way 🤣 Thank you so much for watching 🥰

[@dawnwilkinson8717]

Thank you Ruth so many shell I've never seen before - wonderful 😃😄😃

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Dawn 👋🏻💖 Ruth is so wonderful 🤩 she made sure to send shell species that are native and endemic to her country; you won't find them in any other places around the world! I still can't believe I'd never seen them before either 😲 Thank you so much for watching the big unboxing today 🥰

[@janinedevilliers510]

Stunning. I can't pick a favorite, they are all gorgeous.

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Janine 👋🏻🐚 Oh was certainly received some fabulous shells in this one!! There was just too much to like, I was very spoiled 🤩 Thanks for watching the big video today 🥰

[@oceanluvngal]

How did I miss this video?! Thanks Ruth and Maddie for teaching me about some Nee Zealand shells. They are beautiful! Most interesting to me is the sand dollar, because I have been collecting samples of as many varieties of sand dollars as I can find and have never seen this one before. Its flower pattern is so cool!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Oceanluvn Gal 👋🏻💖 Hehe, I snuck this one past you!! Ruth was really far too generous; she's just a lovely person. Oh wow, out of everything, the sand dollar stood out the most for you 😲 I had no idea that you collected sand dollars in particular! You'll have to be on the look out for this one to collect in the future 😉 Thank you so much for watching the huge unboxing today 🥰

[@ladysylvia4018]

Awesome collection of NZ shells! Love them all!!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Lady Sylvia 👋🏻🐚 I think I got some of the best ones that New Zealand has to offer 🤩 while researching some of their names, I was shocked to see that NZ actually has quite a diverse range of different shells across their coastlines - I had no idea! Their beaches are a bit too cold for the cowries though 😆 but the Bonnets, Volutes, and everything else make up for it! Thank you so much for joining me in such a big unboxing today 🥰

[@kttnlvr2bynxylee622]

The Black Volute hands down!!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G’day Kitten Luver 👋🏻🐚🐱 I love your choice for the favourite 😍 that blackened Arabic Volute really caught my eye as well; I’d never seen anything like it before!! Thank you so much for watching another big unboxing today 🥰

[@kttnlvr2bynxylee622]

I love watching you, your enthusiasm and love for what you get to do, I live in the United States in the state of Tennessee, so I have no access to a beach unless I travel, I'm 67 years old and disabled so I'm unable to travel long distances, keep having fun and doing videos please!!! I absolutely adore your accent and laugh!!

[@kaylecotton5301]

Morning Maddie, you know how I feel about the minnie's. Love the moon snails the most❤❤❤😂

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Sheila 👋🏻💖 There were some really lovely minis in this lot 🤩 the Wheel Shells (with those tiger-like stripes) were the smallest and just adorable. The Moon Snails though, oh my goodness, what an absolute treat! Thank you for watching the big unboxing today 🥰

[@ellenpiazza9505]

Wow love them all !!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Ellen 👋🏻🐚 It was a great day for unboxing some sea shells 😁 I'm glad you liked seeing them too! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@hshillier]

Wow! Wow! Wow! These are all amazing!!! Ruth you are so blessed to have these shells on your beaches. I'd love to buy some from you Ruth if possible please? Maddie how blessed you are. Thanks for sharing.🩵🤎💙🤍

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Helen! These shells really are incredible, aren't they? This is just a quick message to tell you that Ruth couldn't reply to you message for some reason, and asked me to tell you to message her on Instagram (link video description). She might be willing to sell some extras she has. Thank you so, so much for watching 🤩

[@janicewalker9719]

Wow! Just Wow!! Ruth was very generous. The New Zealand shell are gorgeous. I think you nailed it when you said, Holy Guacamole. I believe we need to set up a Go Fund Me account so you can go shelling there. That would be an awesome adventure. You have been truly blessed. So happy for you!!! (You might need a bigger cabinet) 😂

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Janice 👋🏻💖 I know, I felt gob smacked while opening most if these 😲 they are just so unbelievable amazing!! Ruth is incredibly generous, I think a lot of these might have been prized ones in her collection?! I feel like some of them might be??? There was definitely a lot of Holy Guacamole this time 🤣 haha, oh my goodness, I think a bunch of people on Go Fund Me could use the money more than my trip to New Zealand 😉 but I appreciate the sentiment!! One day I'll get there 😁 for sure, but there is still a lot of Australia for me to see first! Thank you so, so much Janice 💖 ahhh do I need a bigger cabinet?? Ahhh, I'll let you know when I try to reorganize it...I haven't reorganized it since February it March... it's probably fine?????? (Extra question marks for uncertainty) Thank you again for joining the big unboxing today 🥰

[@robertabessey7990]

Hi Maddie, talk about spoiled 😂 what gorgeous shells. Those Ostrich foots are just Carmel swirls of goodness 😂 those are the prettiest bonnet shells I've ever seen. Such beautiful shells. You were definitely blessed. Shout out to Ruth!!!!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Roberta 👋🏻💖 I know right, I was spoiled once again 😅 I truly feel like I've done nothing to deserve such treatment... this box came at the same time as the last two from Jan, so I really overwhelmed at the time 😆 These shells are just gorgeous; the Ostrich Foot shells are ones that I've never seen before... actually, 99% of these shells are ones that I've never seen before!! And oh my goodness yes, those bonnets are just the absolute most adorable ones in my collection now 😍 I can't believe how many shells sent me!! Thank you for the shout-out to Ruth, I bet it's brought a smile to her face 😁 Thank you so much for watching 🥰

[@robertabessey7990]

Maddie, don't feel like your not deserving. You bring joy to those you share your videos with. They want to give you the same joy back. Not to mention that your an absolute sweetheart. We all love you and your channel.

[@jkperdue1109]

Gday Maddie, what fun, that was opening your she'll box with you🎉 Your so cute and adorable. Loved all the spectacular shells from NZ.

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Jk 👋🏻💖 I had so much fun with this shell box, and I'm glad it was a fun ride for you as well 🐚🎁❤️ I was stunned (and so excited); it feels like seeing completely different types of shells is becoming a more novel experience lately 🤩 I think I need to travel more 🏖️ Haha oh no Jk, my first though was "what did I do??" When you called me cute and adorable 🤣 uhh, thank you?? 😂 Again, I'm so glad that you enjoyed seeing these shells alongside me. Thank you so much for watching 🥰

[@amandamayo209]

Love the volutes!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Amanda 👋🏻💖 Hehe, weren't they just fantastic?!! This box sure saved the best 'til last!! Thank you so much for watching this big unboxing today 🥰

[@JanHastings-ns7ze]

Oh my god! What amazing shells. You need to go there. If I had to pick the sea urchin and the top shells. Wow

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Jan 👋🏻💖 The shells are just so different than what I was expecting from New Zealand (I made sure not to look up NZ shells before opening the box so I wouldn't spoil any surprises)! New Zealand and Australia do share a few different shell species, but Ruth made sure to send ones that are native/endemic to just New Zealand so I could have one exclusively from her home. Wow, just stunning. I would love to go to New Zealand one day; I'll admit, I have wanted to visit there before because it's a very beautiful and friendly English-speaking paradise (thats not a ridiculously long plane right away). Don't get me wrong, I also love England and Ireland when I went a few years ago, but the 20+ hour plane ride is a bit hard to handle if you're not used to it! Also, yes, that Sea Urchin (Kina) was just spectacular 🤩 Ruth showed me some of the art she makes with them, so I guess they're a regular find at the beach she visits?? The top shells too are just fabulous, I know she picked out some really nice ones for me 😲 Thank you so much for watching the big unboxing today 🥰

[@longseafirerybell2030]

I live in New Zealand and I have never seen Shells like this, I need to travel around all the beaches more!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day to you across the pond 👋🏻🏖️ Oh my goodness, yes, you have so many amazing shells in NZ, so please go out and have your own shelling adventures!! The lady who sent this box said; the shells are better the further north you are. These shells are from the southern area of the north island 🏝️ not sure what's on the south island, or way up at the top 🤔 but I hope that helps!! Thanks you so much for watching this big unboxing; seeing these New Zealand shells for the first time was thrilling for me too!

[@tracyragsdale2665]

Beautiful! ❤

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Tracy 👋🏻🐚 I'm so glad that you enjoyed this big unboxing of New Zealand sea shells - personally, almost all of these shells were new to me, so it was very exciting!! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@tracyragsdale2665]

@@SandCoffeeRocks I would love to swap shells if you are ever interested! I live in Minnesota, USA. I go shelling in Florida.

[@pamdudley6153]

Wow!!! ❤️❤️❤️ It is very hard to choose one favorite! I’m so excited that you are getting shells from around the world! 🐚🐚🐚 Ruth, you sent Maddie an amazing selection! Maddie, maybe she will catch up with you and go shelling with you! 🤩🤩🤩 Hey, I hope you got my email. I’m going cruising again. 🛳️ I can’t wait! I’ll catch you in a couple of weeks! Great unboxing! 🥰🥰🥰

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Pam 👋🏻💖 Oh my goodness, it's SO hard, right?! And gosh yes, I am so fortunate to receive shells like this from all over; never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd get anything from New Zealand!! Thank you for giving Ruth a shout out, she really deserves it! Oh yes, I'd love to meet up with her one day 🏖️ Oh Pam, another cruise 🤩 how exciting, when will this one be and where are you going? Also, no?? I didn't get an email?? The last email I have from you is 4-5 months ago about your shell haul from Holly Beach... looks like I didn't receive your latest one! Your comment here makes it sound like your leaving NOW though, goodness, have a blast Pam, and stay safe with your lovely Lee 👋🏻🏖️💖🥰🐚🦀

[@judiskalet964]

Great shells Maddie enjoy 🎉😂🎉😂❤

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Judi 👋🏻💖 There really were some absolutely fabulous shells in this box 🎁 to say I was shocked would be an understatement 😲 Thank you so much for taking the time to watch the big unboxing today 🥰

[@nikoletastavropoulou5515]

Amazing shells Maddie. Congratulations ❤.

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Nikoleta 👋🏻💖 I was really spoiled this time, I still cannot believe that Ruth generously sent me these lovely shells; I think she handpicked some of her best ones for me?! Thank you, once again, for joining me again today 🥰

[@nikoletastavropoulou5515]

@SandCoffeeRocks You're welcome, Maddie 🫠.

[@brendagroff8478]

Beautiful sea shells. Thank you Ruth.

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Brenda 👋🏻🐚 They really were handpicked just for me; I think Ruth put her heart and soul into this big box of shells today 💖🎁 Thank you for thanking her, I bet that's put a smile on her face 😁 and thank you so much for joining me in this big unboxing today 🥰

[@brendagroff8478]

@@SandCoffeeRocks I want them all!! You're so lucky!!

[@brendagroff8478]

@@SandCoffeeRocks Hi Maddie, I'd love to send you some of my sea shell collection. Where can I send you the photos? Thank you, BRENDA

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Brenda! I knew I'd seen this reply the other day, but it took me a while to find it again! Oh my goodness, you don't need to go out of your way like this; if anyone has too many shells, it's probably me! Well, can you ever have too many shells though? Anyway! I'd love to see pictures of what you've enjoyed collecting over the years. The best place to send a few pictures is to my channel email address... which, uhh, I don't want to type here; the last time I did that, I had several hacking attempts every day for a few weeks, and it only just stopped a while ago! You can go to my channel page and click the "about" section. Or, you can find my email address on my facebook page too: facebook.com/SandCoffeeRocks Sorry for this round about way to telling it to you, but I got seriously worried a while ago about putting my email address in the comments sections from now on.

[@isabelc.o.tavares9280]

All beautiful shells. Never have I seen them before. Thank you to both of you for allowing us to learn about New Zealand shells.

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Belix 👋🏻💖 They were quite surprising, weren't they?! I had no idea these amazing shells were just across the pond 🤣 Thank you so much for watching the big unboxing video 🥰

[@anitawilhite]

Wow what amazing shells. Ruth thank you for sharing with Maddie and ultimately us. Beautiful just beautiful. I don't think I can pick a favorite. They are all just wonderful. Thank you for sharing with us Maddie

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Anita 👋🏻💖 Thank you for the big shout-out to Ruth, I am so amazed by the shells she sent me; they're really fabulous, and I think she sent some from her personal best collection?!! I really couldn't pick a favourite either... they're all just so different and unique in their own ways. Thank you so much for watching the big unboxing today, it really was an exciting one 🥰

[@tonistephic]

Good morning, Maddie It was such an awesome box. Thank you, Ruth. Every shell in the box was just beautiful. Not only is it a surprise to you, Maddie it is a surprise to everyone who watches. There is no way to pick a favorite shell in this box. Seeing all the new shells was just amazingly beautiful to watch you open them, and hearing your excitement is a pleasure to hear. I know it makes my day so much better. The sand dollars, the New Zealand scallops, all the top shells, the scallops, circular ones with the points ( i forgot the nane) , the flats are beautiful, top shells are amazing, the moon snails are so nice and beautiful.The ostrich foot shell WOW! Pear bonnets and the baby one , southern olives, and all the rest are just beautiful shells. Have a wonderful day Maddie 😊 see you for the next shelling adventure. 😊

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Toni 👋🏻💖 Ruth was so, so kind to me, she really put some of her very best into this shell box. I still can't believe I'm so lucky to have met people like this through sharing my videos on KZbin. Aww thank you Toni, I was so incredible excited while opening this one... I kept gasping in surprise, but I ended up cutting the sound out because I kept thinking I was gasping in worry or something?!! Haha, I think I was overthinking it, but anyway! The circular ones with the points are simple Circular Saw shells... they really hit the nail on the head with that name. There were just so many amazing shells; I think you managed to remember them all, my goodness, well done Toni! Thank you so, so much for taking the time to watch another big unboxing today 🥰

[@tonistephic]

@SandCoffeeRocks seeing shells from all over is just so exciting. I kearn something new. I can only imagine how many types of shells there shells in the world. My goodness, it gets me excited about even more shells. Thank you, Maddie. Have a wonderful day.

[@trudymcewen9801]

Wow Maddie a wonderful unboxing from your New Zealand friend. Not one in my collection. A lot of shells. Favorites are Spiney Murex, Circular Saw Shell, Ostrich Foiot, Pear Bonnets and really favorite Arabic Volute. Love seeing shells from different countries. Thank you and take care. XXOO. TRUDY

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Trudy 👋🏻💖 It was absolutely wonderful of Ruth to send these to me ❤️ and wow, not a single one?! New Zealand has a lot of different shells, but Ruth really sent some fabulous ones that are only found there! I don't know how easy it would be to find them in other parts of the world to buy; though I haven't really looked into it. It almost feels like NZ is keeping all the good shells to themselves 🤣 or am I just dense and never thought to look for them before? I like to think that I do know and research a lot of shells usually!! There were just so many surprises in this box; it was a massive joy to see these. Thank you so much for watching another big unboxing video, Trudy 🥰

[@kaylecotton5301]

Hi Trudy. I hope you are having a great day, things with mr are looking better everytime I go and see the wound care lady. I should have better news next time

[@trudymcewen9801]

@@kaylecotton5301 Hello Kayle, Happy to hear from you. My husband Bob has been under wound care several times. Once when he got badly hurt on vacation, my sister an RN took care of him til we got home and other time during a car accident. Not fun at all. Hope you get well soon. Snuggle with your kitties. XXOO. TRUDY

[@kaylecotton5301]

@@trudymcewen9801 plz you and Bob take care with this big storm that is going to hot the east cost

[@trudymcewen9801]

@@kaylecotton5301 Kayle we live near the Ohio line so no rain here. We have 60 to 70 weather which I like when I am outside working. Bob is doing ok with his cancer. Treatments working to keep him with us thankfully. Lots of doctor appt. We have a dachshund but I have had lots of cats in my life. I am an author of a book published about a Siamese my parents and I owned. Kitti Puppi. It started as a journal and became a book. The company lied to me as I paid them to publish it and not to many people found it. Maddie bought the book. You take care please and get well. XXOO. TRUDY

[@claudiagalasso5530]

Those are amazing shells, many of them I've never seen before. The circular saw shells and top shells were my favourites. Thanks Maddie and Ruth! 🐚💗🌟

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Claudia 👋🏻🐚 They are just so fabulous, right?! Also, I'm glad you've never seen them before; that means my thumbnail wasn't clickbait hahaha 🤣!! The Circular Saw (especially the one with the longest and most delicate spikes) were among my favourite too. Oh gosh, and those Top shells as well, they were just wonderful 🤩 Thank you so much for joining the big unboxing today, and thank you for giving a shout out to Ruth, too 🥰💖

[@erinhurt6341]

That was so cool! I don't think I've ever seen New Zealand sea shells. I love the circular saw shells and the funky pointy top shells.

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Erin 👋🏻💖 I hadn't seen these New Zealand seashells either! It was such a surprise because I like to think that I'm better than most at identifying shells these days... but nope, these ones totally threw me for a loop! The Circular Saw shells and Top Shells were just lovely; I think Ruth must have sent me some of her best ones?! Thank you so much for watching 🥰

[@lisadavis-fd5hn]

All the colors and patterns on those are absolutely gorgeous.

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Lisa 👋🏻🐚 They are SO gorgeous 😍 I think the variations on each shell are more diverse than the ones I find here 🤔 it's super exciting to see them all next to each other like this. Thank you for watching the big unboxing today 🥰

[@luley8254]

They are ALL so beautiful! What a great haul/gift!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day LuAnn 👋🏻🐚 They are just amazing, right?! I was so surprised; I had no idea that New Zealand had such unique and interesting shells on their beaches 😲 the variety is more than I imagined as well!! Thank you so much for watching this big unboxing, I am heart warmed by all of the wonderful people who've stopped by today 🥰

[@sunnybelisle4007]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Belise 👋🏻🐌 Oh my goodness, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to enjoy this big New Zealand unboxing video 😲❤️ Again, I'm thrilled that you liked seeing these amazing shells from a more remote part of the world! Thanks again for watching 🥰

[@sunnybelisle4007]

@@SandCoffeeRocks Thank you, Maddie! I always enjoy watching your videos and especially seeing the joy you express when you see a new shell. It's so much fun, as well as inspiring. I'm relatively new to this 'shell-game' and am slowly learning to identify the ones that you pick up. The captions that you include on your screen with the names of the shells are so very helpful to my endeavor to learn the names of all of those beautiful jewels of the sea. Spring/Autumn Blessings!! (I'm up hear in NW Washington State, USA 😄) 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@watchesfromedges]

Maddie I love the NZ shells, but can you please name the big creamy striped olive you held up for comparison, I acquired an identical one in a charity shop recently and have no idea what it's called or where it came from but I thought if I watched enough shell videos, it'd turn up sooner or later!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Bearseyeview 👋🏻💖 Haha oops, I figured I didn't need to because it was only on screen for a second 😆 it was actually from my last unboxing, so it was still on my desk. It's an Orange-mouth Olive (Oliva miniacea). It's an Indo-Pacific shells, so wow, a bit of a surprise that you got one all the way in the UK! Go you! Thank you so much for watching another big unboxing today 🥰

[@user-bp3vh9sh2p]

I'm from NewZealand we have lots of different shells

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Tama 👋🏻🐚 Hello to you across the pond!! Oh my goodness, you really do have a ton of amazing shells over there! I did some research to find the common and scientific names of these shells from Ruth, and I came across references for so many New Zealand shells that I'd never seen. You have an incredible selection on your beaches!! Thank you so much for watching this big unboxing of shells from your part of the world 🥰

[@DawnPalmer55]

Actually, the knobbed whelks are in the east coast not the west.

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Dawn 👋🏻🐚 Oh yes indeed 😅 I thought I corrected that one screen 😆 USA's East Coast gets almost all the exciting shells, including those cool Knobbed Whelks!! Thank you for watching this big New Zealand unboxing 🥰

[@sherryroberts7716]

Not trying to bum anyone out, but is it necessary to take shells from the ocean? Sometimes shell harvesters/sellers take live animals and have their way the shells without regard for the live creature. An exuberant market only means more of these creatures will meet their doom because of the money they fetch. It should be additionally worrisome if you are stating that some of these are rare. Nature also meant for the shells to be reused by hermit crabs when the original occupant perishes naturally. Please let us cease upsetting the rules of nature. I implore you all!

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

G'day Sherry 👋🏻 Uhh, I think you might be missing the whole point of this hobby? It actually makes me wonder how you arrived at the channel 😅 but I accept all kinds of views, so I'll try to give you a response for your well-thought comment. I believe that these shells were all taken ethically because Ruth has shared a few private video with me of how she finds them on the beaches. As for shell harvesters and trawlers, yes, this is a thing that happens all over the world... you need to understand though: that industry is highly regulated by law by the fisheries and/or might be a primary source of food in Indo-Pacific nations, and then the shells are sold afterwards. It's not something that people just do without consequence or without jumping through legal hoops. For me personally, I will always only collect empty/deceased shells. To the issue of shell resources and hermit crabs, you need to understand, the snails and their shells aren't going extinct; there are so many that are born, die, and leave their shells behind in places were humans will never touch them. So many hermit crabs live in these places, so they aren't exactly running out of options. There are plenty of snails, plenty of shells, plenty of hermit crabs, and heaps of shells left over that they don't use. I believe wholeheartedly that the collection of empty shells from beaches is legal (as long as it's not listed as a "green zone") and mostly harmless/negligent to the environment as a whole, and does not need to be ceased. Let us have our fun and enjoy nature the way that we choose. It's quite an exciting and joyous experience to go out to the beaches, enjoy the sun, and treasure hunt for some beautiful shells. Thanks for watching 🐚

[@RuthShellsNZ]

All the shells I find including the ones I sent to Maddie were on the beach completely empty. Not taken live. Some of these shells are rare but they wash up after big storms empty. I ALWAYS put live shells back in the water and so does Maddie.

[@sherryroberts7716]

@@RuthShellsNZ Thanks, guys, for your kind responses. I'm pretty sure we all care (most of us anyway) about the fragility of nature. Happy to know that all are harvesting responsibly. Just keep an eye out for stuff out of whack. We should all be good stewards of our only planet. :-) Like I said, not trying to bum anyone out, just wondering with concern. Thanks.

[@sherryroberts7716]

@@SandCoffeeRocks I love the g'day! Been to New Zealand (from California) and it is awash with awe and beauty. Stood on the shores of the Tasman Sea but saw no shells at all. Please keep taking good care of that gorgeous country. (I was watching videos of supposed sightings of Sasquatch and they are "seen" in many forested areas. Not sure why, as I'm searching for those channels, that your seashell one came up. I certainly wasn't searching for it.)

[@SandCoffeeRocks]

Oh interesting! The algorithm might have sent you to me because I often use the tag “creature” in my videos when I find marine/sea creatures to show, so I think your Sasquatch videos probably use a similar tag, so there might be cross over because of that? You might have arrived here because it was my latest video (though not with the creature tag). Not 100% sure of course; no one can truely know the algorithm!