As cooler temperatures settle over the Gulf, shelling season begins in earnest along the Texas coast, drawing more beachcombers to the shore as milder weather makes long walks more pleasant and seasonal tides reveal fresh deposits of shells. 

 But before beachcombers head out in search of scallops, whelks, and moon snails, it’s worth remembering that some of the most beautiful shells are still very much alive - and others may be essential to creatures who call them home. 

 Texas law prohibits collecting live shells without a fishing license or permit, as regulated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This includes live mollusks such as whelks, moon snails, and other univalves commonly found along the coast. 

 While most beachcombers aren’t harvesting for food, it’s important to check every shell for signs of life before adding it to your collection. 

 Some mollusks tuck themselves deep inside their shells, and the presence of an operculum - a flat, hoof-like “door” that seals the opening - is a clear sign the shell is occupied. If you spot one, gently return the shell to its original spot. 

 You may also find opercula lying loose among the shell beds, a sign that the mollusk inside may have fallen prey to predators or succumbed to cold temperatures. 

 

 This fall has been a banner season for hermit crabs along Galveston, Bolivar, and Surfside. Large colonies have been spotted along the beaches and bays, a promising sign for the local ecosystem. 

 But with more crabs comes greater competition for shelter - and that’s where responsible shelling makes a difference. 

 Hermit crabs don’t grow their own shells. Instead, they rely on discarded ones, often favoring moon snails and lightning whelks - the same shells prized by collectors. Over-collecting these can lead to a shortage, forcing crabs to fight for homes in a behavior known as shell jacking. In some cases, they’ll even resort to using plastic trash as makeshift shelter. 

 Hermit crabs change shells multiple times throughout their lives, often lining up by size in what’s called a vacancy chain, trading up as larger shells become available. By leaving just a few extra shells behind - or even returning some from your personal collection - you can help reduce competition and support this fascinating natural behavior. 

 A while back, I returned a handful of moon snail shells from my personal collection to a densely populated hermit crab area along the bay. I laid them out in a neat line across the sand, hoping they might be useful to the crabs. 

 

 When I came back an hour later, every shell had been moved - some shifted slightly, others completely relocated. It was clear they’d been inspected and possibly claimed. Watching that quiet exchange unfold reminded me how even a small gesture can make a meaningful difference for these resourceful little creatures. 

 Not all shells are essential to marine life. Broken bivalves - those two-sided shells split at the hinge - are generally safe to take home. Colorful scallops, often found in shades of orange, pink, blue, and gray, are another favorite among collectors and pose no threat to hermit crab populations. 

 Other common finds like tellins, lettered olives, arc clams, sundials, angel wings, and baby’s ears are also considered safe to collect, as they are not typically used by hermit crabs or other marine creatures for shelter. 

 These shells are often found scattered along the high tide line, especially after storms or seasonal shifts in the surf. Many are prized for their delicate shapes, subtle color variations, and smooth textures, making them favorites among casual collectors and seasoned beachcombers alike. 

 Because they don’t play a critical role in the coastal ecosystem’s housing market, gathering a few for decorative or educational purposes poses little risk to wildlife. Still, it’s always wise to inspect each shell carefully to ensure it’s truly unoccupied before adding it to your collection. 

 If you’re lucky enough to spot a colony of hermit crabs on your beach walk, take a moment to observe their quiet choreography. 

 These gentle creatures share our love of shells - but for them, it’s a matter of survival. A little restraint in collecting can go a long way in protecting their habitat.