Seashells in the US Virgin Islands are Beautiful!
- We encourage you to join us in our mission to preserve and exhibit the seashells of the Virgin Islands. Learn more about the Seashell Museum.
- Virgin Islands law prohibits the collection of shells, corals,
etc., without proper collecting permits. - Empty shells can be used for protection by hermit crabs
and octopus. - Shells eventually break up to become sand.
- The Queen Conch has been designated the official Territorial Shell. Learn more here: Queen Conch
- Virgin Islanders typically eat the queen conch and whelk.
- Conch season is November 1 through May 31. This means conch may not be collected June 1-October 31.
- The conch shell must be 9 ½ inches long or have a 3/8 inch lip thickness.
- Whelk (West Indian Top Shell) season is October 1 through March 31. This means whelk may not be collected April 1-September 31.
- The whelk shell must be 2- 7/16 inches in diameter.
- There are also daily limits as to how many conchs or whelks can be taken per fisherman.
What is a Seashell?
- Seashells are external skeletons created by mollusk and echinoderm phyla of invertebrate animals (not a crab).
- Seashells are comprised of calcium carbonate created by the animal’s mantle or body wall.
- Seashells grow as the animal grows.
- Seashells come in many variations in shape, size, and color.
- Seashells are used for protection, locomotion, buoyancy, and opening objects.
- St. Croix Seashell Society is happy to visit schools and organizations with age-specific presentations about seashells. Learn more about Education
