I am sure many, many will agree...we went snorkeling today at a spot known for many large starfish.
On our way out there was an americano tourista carrying a starfish up to her vehicle. Before I was done fuming about that, there was a picnic table occupied by locals that had 2 starfish laying there dying in the sun. I am a wuss(sp) and did not say anything. The worse part is that the "guide" who was with the americanos said nothing to the girl taking home the starfish and while we were snorkeling, we saw him standing on a rock that had coral growing in it!
Otherwise, it was a great day in the ocean!

<b>I know I'm guilty for taking a shell or two while on vacation... I know this can be a somewhat controversial subject on the Forums, but I assure I NEVER take anything that is living in a shell or that is living period. I took a few sand dollars in TCI last year while on an excursion, but they were not live. I don't understand how anyone can think it's OK to do that....</b>

One of the stupidest things I've ever heard of is taking a starfish with you. They're not like collecting seashells, you know. They're alive and as living sea creatures that require living in water, they can get awful stinky very quickly. Soggydollar: I don't know where you were but in the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially in the protected waters of the national park, it is an offense that can carry a heavy fee no matter your politics. I am guessing from your reference to americanos that you were somewhere in Mexico or South America where regulations may be more lax. Rest assured, the tourists will have some form of vengeance wrecked upon them from the stench of marine death. IMO, you seem like a thoughtful, conscientious person not given to politics. That said, you are under no personal obligation to police that kind of person, and they probably wouldn't have appreciated your concerns anyway. As disturbing as it may have been for you to witness, I ask you to consider this small consolation: people are their own best punishment. IMO, you probably couldn't wish something worse on them than being the kind of person who is a thoughtless, insensitive, destructive tourist or one who displays other forms of anti-biosphere, antisocial behavior. (darn it, I can't remember how to do the winking face)

sorry but i disagree. i would have said something. it is entirely possible the starfish carrying tourist did not realize what he was doing and might even have appreciated the information. and i have to tell you i would have been some undone watching that guide stand on coral. at the least i would have contacted the company that pays him to guide ppl to the reef he is wrecking.
and big al - gimme a break. people like you are the reason we used to have garbage beside the roads, the reason so many animals and plants are currently on the endangered list.
IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CARE FOR THE PLANET AND EVERYTHING ON IT!

It is Vieques. Besides the tourist taking one, a local had a couple sitting on the picnic table. The only thing here restricted is taking coral and land crabs (as far as I know).

I respect harvesting for food. They eat iguana down here, they harvest conch here, they have cockfights down here. That is their culture and to be respected. If you want a conch shell, there are hundreds at green beach where they are harvested and the shells left behind. Last I knew, people did not eat starfish.
And yes, I take shells everytime I visit a beach...nothing alive though.
also down here, there are many people who call themselves guides, and freelance, not really knowing anything about what they are doing. There are a few great guys down here that are very knowledgable and give great service.

same with the fishermen and guides, there recently has been postings about not standing in the flats as it destroys the sea grass beds. There are people out there who do not know what they are doing!!

not being PC, just trying to pass on awareness in protecting our environment.

soggydollar,

The majority of us agree with you...just ignore ignorance!

I have taking a few shells myself but without a living creature in it.

A starfish....that is just plain mean!the guide walking on the coral...he should be fired and fined...besides global warming...people like that are the cause of reefs dying.

Glad that you had a good day..otherwise!
Christie

IMO, it's up to the individual whether or not he/she is comfortable &quot;speaking up&quot; or otherwise confront someone else about anything. Soggydollar: that moment is over, but it is an important topic to bring up especially on the Caribbean board. I think it's safe to say that most travelers go there to enjoy the beautiful weather and natural environment. Travel forums should alert would-be tourists to be mindful of the ecosystems there. Virginia, IMO a respectful regard for life should be a global standard of morality. Unfortunately, malignant neglect, crude insensitivity and disrespect is rampant everywhere. You Go Girl...keep your standards and your chin up. Besides, Vieques is still U.S. territory and it's federal policy to protect all marine life in the region. Those offenders are lucky there wasn't a real authority figure there at the time. Political correctness has nothing to do with mindfulness of the law. You don't think they'd love some easy money by slapping some high fines on a bunch of ignorant tourists for endangering wildlife?

As always, a wonderful response Tuxedo cat ! Thanks for expressing the thoughts of many here (semi-colon, dash, and right-handed parentheses - !!

Virginia, I wonder if you get the TV ad for &quot;Big Al's discount department store &quot;...located on Route #1 (someplace). He pronounces Route as &quot;rowt&quot; which is why I remember the ad ;-) An interesting visual as well.

As for PC or not so, maybe we should leave &quot;political&quot; out of an overused and seemingly *hot button* phrase.

Maybe it could become &quot;people caring&quot;, &quot;please be considerate&quot; or &quot;positive change&quot; for everyone caring about our world.

Just a thought

Marion

<b>What if the Starfish was dead and dried up? Is it OK to take it then?

I'm just curious....</b>

Vegas,

If it is a wildlife protected area...I believe that we are not supposed to take anything from it...dead or alive...not sure though.

Christie

marion- I am a maine girl too!! so I know who you are taking about!!

thanks for all the positive input, and tux...your thoughts are so well stated!

and yes, many are unaware, and if one person has been made aware, then it has helped!

Stated beautifully Tuxedocat! The little lizards are cute too, but I don't see many people getting those through customs. If it's alive, you need to let it go. Respect the marine life or your kids may not have it to enjoy!!!

just an fyi - the reason shells are not supposed to be taken, is that they can be used by another animal for shelter. in addition the constant rolling of the ocean causes the shells to disintegrate becoming the lovely sand we all like to hang out on. did you know that coral sand does not get hot? i'm not clear on the reaon for this.
and yes i will admit to bringing home the occasional shell in the past but i have quit doing so.
tux - thanks for your supportive words.
marion - lol not big al ads this far north. we are in the boonies up here you know.
as greenie would say. PEACE

Does anyone know why the coral sand doesn't get hot? I live at the beach in Maine, and the sand can get so hot in July that you can't walk on it. That was amazing to me the first time I realized how cool the caribbean sand felt, even on a hot sunny day at high noon.

I just got back from Jamaica and the sand was just as hot there as in the states! Am I missing something?

tango, jamaica is a volcanic based island. the flat scrubby ones are coral based.

Interesting observations, and one very uncreative troll...

I was on Cozumel about six years ago, and they are pretty strict about people not taking anything out of the water since diving is such a HUGE moneymaker for the island.

You have to pay for wristbands when you dive that indicate you are with an operator who makes you aware of the rules of the extensive marine parque, and you are not supposed to take gloves or knives along (no touching or taking of anything).

We had already completed our dives for the day and were relaxing by the hotel pool when a couple who had just come in from a dive boat came along with their gear and sat down by the pool. Instead of using the fresh-water tanks by the dive boats to rinse off gear, the man decided to use the pool to rinse everything off - including (to my dismay) - a large conch he had taken from the water.

It was OBVIOUS he knew he was not supposed to have it, as he looked around furtively, surreptitiously removed it from his gear, gave it a dunking in the pool, and then hid it under the chair in his gear.

I pointed out to my husband what was going on, and he and I agreed we should say something about it. I finally decided to go tell the dive shop manager and let them handle it.

Well, when I told him someone had come off of one of their boats with a conch and was rinsing it off in the pool, he was past me and over there before I was even finished telling him about it!

He railed on this guy for at least five minutes, snatched the conch from him and put it in a tidal pool - hoping that it would survive.

Sometimes people just don't know any better, and those people should be educated. People who do know better should be heavily fined, imho.

If I am not comfortable speaking to someone about their taking a hike on coral or molesting the sealife - which I usually will in a non-confrontational manner - I find someone in charge who will address it.

I agree about Cancun and Cozumel Diane.

They are very strict about their marine life. They even make you wear biodegradable sunscreen in the water.

diana, you and dh are THE BEST!
go travel, we went to mex recently and were very impressed with how concerned and conscientious they were about protecting their reef. at xel-ha they offered us free sun screen as ours, while carefully researched and purchased, did not meet their standards. on next visit i plan to stop in their shop immed after arrival and buy the right kind to use while we are there.

I am sure the people who take things know they are not supposed to. (Unless it is a kid that may not know they are hurting a living animal/species).
Most of the people like that are obnoxious and think they can take what they want, when they want. I am like Diana, in that I wouldn't say anything directly, but might say something to the dive shop manager. People that take things are most likely jerks and who knows what they would do? There are all kinds of crazies out there thinking they are entitled. I do think it is a good idea to post on the travel boards, because it may deter someone who when they go, remember that it is a living object they are sacraficing for vacation trinket.