Sanibel Shelling Regulations
All Sanibel beaches and nearshore waters to one-half mile from shore are protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Rule 46-26. This rule prohibits the harvest and possession of live shellfish. Sand dollars, sea stars (starfish), and sea urchins are also protected. All shelling is prohibited within the waters of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Violators are subject to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail for a first offense.
Sanibel’s Shelling History
With more than 400 species of shells, Sanibel has long been known as a world-class shelling destination. The expectation of finding these treasures lures thousands of visitors each year. In the late 1980s, in order to protect this important biological and economic asset, the City petitioned the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) to restrict live shelling. As a result, the MFC passed a special Sanibel Shelling Rule (MFC Rule Chapter 46-26) restricting live shell collection to two specimens of any one species per person per day. This rule also required all non-residents to possess a State saltwater products fishing license, a little known and often ignored regulation. This rule was in effect for six years and was of value from an educational standpoint. However, enforcement was virtually impossible and collecting in excess of these limits occurred regularly.
In 1993, the City further petitioned the MFC to establish a complete ban on live-shelling for Sanibel offshore to the City limits (one-half mile from shore). This more stringent rule was justified considering the extraordinary ecological and economic values of this resource and the expansive consequences should populations collapse due to over-harvest. The new rule was approved at a final Public Hearing in October 1994 and went into effect January 1, 1995.
In January 2002, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved the Lee County Commission proposed ban on the collection of all live shells within Lee County. The change took effect on March 1, 2002.