To collect or not to collect?

[Islandbound 1]

I am looking for some guidance to help me think through whether or not its ok to salvage memorabilia found in the sand and reef. I would not take a bell or a wheel or porthole from a warship or diving spot but what about things found in the sand nowhere near to anything? Is taking something lost in time by a person ok to keep if I find it? What about uninhabited shells? Just trying to work out what I should do as I see things in the ocean.

 

Thanks!

[NWDiver 42]

Leave only bubbles take only memories. (and or pictures)

[davichin 18]

It´s strange that people are allowed to take hundreds of lobsters and fish while scubadiving but not a bell or whatever humanmade things not supposed to be there. If you you find coins or whatever go ahead and collect them or Odyssey Marine Exploration will come and won´t ask...

[Rocha 0]

Interesting topic... I am for removing "alien" things from the bottom of the ocean, but be aware that many countries have strong laws against that, especially if they have any historical value.

[e=me 0]

I would have to go along with the old mantra of: take pictures, leave bubbles.....

 

but some rare find that I see in a place that it has no business being, I might remove it...this has never happened but I think I would depending on what is.....

 

on the other hand; shells, sand dollars, urchins, and coral - no matter what its state, I leave it where it is...mainly because if I think it looks cool, the next diver may as well and so it stays in its home

 

though, living in Hawaii I am always very surprised how much coral, shells, etc, I see in places such as the swap-meet and other areas on the islands being sold to tourist, especially when there is so much talk of environmentalism in this area.

[dawktah 0]

I would research local laws on subject, but TAKE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING LIVING OR THAT WAS LIVING. Million dollars in gold sure...