LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Identifying common types/species of Philippine shells utilized for

crafting.

Differentiate the methods of shell collection.

Explain the significance of implementing conservation measurement

by the government in relation to the shell craft industry.

Create own eggshell mosaic art.

SEASHELL
• A seashell or sea shell, also known simply as a shell,
is a hard, protective outer layer usually created by
an animal or organism that lives in the sea. The
shell is part of the body of the animal. Empty
seashells are often found washed up on beaches by
beachcombers.
SEASHELL
Seashells have been used by
humans for many different purposes
throughout history and prehistory.
However, seashells are not the only
kind of shells; in various habitats,
there are shells from freshwater
animals such as freshwater mussels
and freshwater snails, and shells of
land snails.
The SHELL INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES

• The shell industry had its early beginning in Zambonga in southern

Philippines. This was indicated in various reports and from personal
accounts from shell collectors and researchers who have dealt with
the shell trade in the country for several decades now.
• It was also during this period that the Punta Engaño and other areas
in Visayas such as Bohol and Samar were gaining popularity as prime
collection sites of rare and common shells. In fact, some of the early
shell collectors in the country were from Cebu, most notably the
Cantos family in Mabolo who has been dealing with shells since 1951 .
The SHELL INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES

 For example, a shell collector from Florida USA who used to

be living in the Philippines has indicated that he has been
dealing with shell traders in the Philppines since his high
school days. He stressed that the trade center of shell in the
country used to be in Zamboanga. However, due to security
situation in the region, Sulu Sea and other prime collection
sites in Mindanao became inaccessible to many traders and
shell gatherers.
CATEGORIES OF THE SHELLS
Ornamental SHELL
Ornamental shells are shells that are used for decoration or
adornment. They can be natural shells that have been collected,
polished, or painted, or artificial shells that have been made from
materials like resin, metal, or glass. They can be used for jewelry,
clothing, home decor, or art.
CATEGORIES OF THE SHELLS
COMMERCIAL SHELL
• Commercial seashells are seashells that are sold or used for various
purposes, such as:
• Collecting, as seashells are popular among hobbyists and
conchologists who appreciate their diversity and beauty.
CATEGORIES OF THE SHELLS
Rare shell
• There are many types of rare shells in the world, such as
the white-toothed cowry, the glory of the sea cone, and
the nautilus shell. They are rare because they are either
very fragile, have a limited distribution, or are highly
sought after by collectors.
SHELL CRAFTS/HANDICRAFTS

Shell crafts or handicrafts are the art of making decorative or

useful objects using seashells. They can include jewelry, figurines,
boxes, frames, lamps, and more. Shell crafts are popular in many
coastal regions of the world, such as the Philippines, Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, and Goa. They are a way of showcasing the beauty
and diversity of shells and their cultural significance.
Methods of shell collection
• There are four types of methods: hoeing, netting, sweeping and
digging. These methods are used to collect different types of
shells from different habitats, such as estuaries, seas, creeks and
lagoons. Shell collecting is a popular hobby in many parts of the
world. Shells are valued for their bright colours, rich variety of
shapes and designs, and historical uses as ornaments, tools and
coins.
Methods of shell collection
HOEING – The hoeing method is a technique used to collect shells from the
beach. It involves using a hoe to loosen the sand and gravel, which exposes the
shells. The hoe is then used to push the shells towards the water's edge, where
they can be easily collected. The hoeing method can be a very effective way to
collect shells. However, it is important to be aware of the environmental impact
of this method. Hoeing can damage the beach ecosystem, so it is important to
use it responsibly.
Methods of shell collection
NETTING. The netting method is a technique used to collect shells from the
water. It involves using a net to scoop up the shells from the water surface or
from the bottom of the sea. The netting method is most effective in shallow
water, where the visibility is good and the shells are easy to see. It can also be
used in deeper water, but it is more difficult to see the shells and the net may
catch seaweed and other debris. However, it is important to be aware of the
environmental impact of this method. Netting can damage the seabed habitat,
so it is important to use it responsibly.
Methods of shell collection
SWEEPING - The sweeping method is a technique used to collect shells from
the beach. It involves using a broom or other sweeping tool to move sand and
debris, exposing the shells. The shells are then collected by hand. The sweeping
method can be a very effective way to collect shells, especially on beaches with
loose sand. However, it is important to be aware of the environmental impact of
this method. Sweeping can damage the beach ecosystem, so it is important to
use it responsibly.
Methods of shell collection
SWEEPING - The sweeping method is a technique used to collect shells from
the beach. It involves using a broom or other sweeping tool to move sand and
debris, exposing the shells. The shells are then collected by hand. The sweeping
method can be a very effective way to collect shells, especially on beaches with
loose sand. However, it is important to be aware of the environmental impact of
this method. Sweeping can damage the beach ecosystem, so it is important to
use it responsibly.
Conservation measure

Seashells are an important part of marine

ecosystems, providing food and shelter for
many organisms. However, seashells are also
popular souvenirs and decorations, and as a
result, many species are threatened or
endangered.
Conservation measure
Seashells are an important part of marine ecosystems, providing
food and shelter for many organisms. Here are some seashell
conservation measures that can be taken:
• Educate the public about the importance of seashells and
the threats they face. This can be done through school
programs, community outreach events, and social media
campaigns.
• Encourage people to only take empty seashells from the
beach. Live seashells should be left where they are found, as
they are still alive and may be breeding.
Conservation measure
• Support sustainable fishing practices that avoid targeting
seashell populations. This includes using traps and nets that allow
seashells to escape, and avoiding fishing in areas where seashells are
abundant.
• Protect marine habitats that are important for seashells. This
includes coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
• Create marine protected areas where seashells are safe from
collecting and other threats.
• Support research on seashell populations and threats. This
research can help us to better understand the challenges facing
seashells and develop effective conservation measures.
Forbidden shells in the Philippines ( FAO 208)
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Philippines
has prohibited the taking, possession, transport, or export of certain
shells under Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 208, series of
2001. These shells are considered rare, threatened, and endangered, and
their collection and trade could further deplete their populations.

Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys

Giant clam (Tridacna gigas) imbricata)
Leatherback sea turtle Hawksbill cowrie (Cypraea tigris)
(Dermochelys coriacea)

Triton's trumpet (Charonia

Olive ridley sea turtle tritonis)
(Lepidochelys olivacea)
Queen conch (Strombus gigas) Ringed top shell (Trochus niloticus)

Helmet shell (Cassis cornuta) Turban shell (Turbo petholatus)

Tiger cowrie (Cypraea striata)

The penalties for violating FAO No. 208
include imprisonment of up to 20 years or
a fine of up to PHP 120,000, or both.

If you are caught with any of the

prohibited shells, you may be asked to
surrender them to the BFAR. You may
also be fined or imprisoned.
COCONUT SHELL crafts

Lampshade

Coconut shell jewelry - Coconut shell

jewelry can be made into a variety of
shapes and designs, including
necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets,
and brooches.
• Coconut shell painting - is a
type of art that uses the hard
outer shell of a coconut as the
canvas

• Coconut shell buttons - are

buttons made from the hard
outer shell of a coconut.
EGGSHELL MOSAIC ART
Eggshell mosaic art is a
type of art that uses
eggshells as the medium. It
is a unique and sustainable
way to create art, and it
can be used to create a
variety of different designs.
THANK YOU