In Costa Rica, a country rich in biodiversity, the collection of seashells threatens coastal stability amid climate pressures. This practice disrupts habitats where crabs, fish, algae, sea urchins, and birds rely on them for shelter and breeding. Officials stress shared responsibility in guarding natural resources. Conservation groups back the message. Shell extraction weakens coral growth and leaves species without homes. Authorities from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) have renewed their plea for residents and tourists to halt the collection of seashells from the country’s beaches. Leaders push for global action, including limits on deep-sea mining, to tackle broader threats. A new app now helps identify shell origins for proper return, with over 450 kilograms reintegrated so far. MINAE notes that stricter checks at airports and coasts respond to rising incidents. Officials hope awareness shifts habits, preserving sites for future generations. This call comes as tourism rebounds. Beaches draw millions yearly, but small acts add up. Shells also hold sand in place, curb erosion, and balance seabed pH levels. For locals and visitors, the rule is simple: admire shells in place. Campaigns like “Leave the Nature, Take Only the Memory” have run since 2020 to educate visitors. The Wildlife Conservation Law treats unauthorized removal, sale, or transport as a crime. Officials plan ongoing education and patrols. Yet prevention remains key. Costa Rica protects 30 percent of its marine areas, leading in ocean care. In under a year, airports seized 3,448 kilograms of shells. Experts highlight broader effects. Volunteers and staff sort materials, aiming to restore what they can. At the Liberia Airport in Guanacaste, staff confiscated over 1,648 kilograms from October 2024 to June 2025. Authorities encourage reports of suspicious activity, aiming to cut seizures through better understanding. In 2023, confiscations topped five tons at the same airports. At the San Jose Airport in Alajuela, teams collected 1,800 kilograms between August 2024 and March 2025. Penalties apply to anyone involved. This follows a pattern. Photos capture memories without harm. Data from seizures underline urgency. Call 1192, use the SITADA website, or visit SINAC offices.
