Seashells

[Lee1154]

I have been to Luzon, Cebu, Palawan & Leyte islands along with several others.  I have never seen any seashells on the beaches.  I have been wondering if this is typical for the Philippines and if so, anyone have a speculations as to why?

[Old55]

I would guess scavengers grab them to sell? 

[stevewool]

I have found very small shells on my trips to the beaches , not worth picking up , but have found some nice pieces of coral washed up onto the beach 

[Freebie]

Found a great many excellent seashells in Bantayan and Siquijor, and some very nice pieces of washed up coral in Puerto Galera.

[Kingpin]

They're already in the malls waiting for you to purchase them.

[Possum]

Fishing with dynamite frees up a lot of coral, it happens.

[Cola Cubes]

It takes a storm.

[JJReyes]

8 hours ago, Lee1154 said:

I have never seen any seashells on the beaches.  I have been wondering if this is typical for the Philippines and if so, anyone have a speculations as to why?

The seashells sold in retail stores are harvested alive from the ocean by divers.  You can sometimes find dead ones on beaches, but many have imperfections like a small hole drilled by a predatory creature.  Over harvesting has likewise diminished the supply.  

[mountainside]

Sounds like the overall success rate is about the same as I had when I tried sport fishing in the Phils.  But I like the idea -- a lot less expensive than sport fishing and I can be with my wife, whose eyes are closer to the ground than mine.  Maybe sneak a fine shell into Boracay.  Drop it on the beach, get the video rolling and pick it up.  Instant YouTube celebrity?  New Boracay tourism ambassador?  

[Sailor Jerry]

No chance of "finding them" haha. seen Great selections on sale in places like San Juan, El Nido, Pangasinan, Anda, Moalboal, Pundaquit over time as we love uniquely shaped seashells to put with our collection. Best place i ever saw here was in Sabang beach a couple of years ago, outstanding but bloody expensive.