How To Shore Up Your Shell Collection

An expert gives advice on where and when to find the best Texas seashells.

By Laura RiceJune 26, 2017 10:28 am

It’s summer, which means Texas families are headed to the beach for swimming, fishing and, of course, seashell hunting.

And it turns out they don’t have to go far to find the perfect shell for their collection.

Texas is a great place to find seashells, according to Wes Tunnell, the endowed chair for Biodiversity and Conservation Science at Texas A&M’s Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies.

Tunnell is a resident expert on all things shells, a title he says is often followed by a few chuckles.

“Most people kind of laugh when they hear, ‘this guy’s got a PhD in seashells?’” Tunnell says. “I’m a professional beach bum.”

Funny field or not, Tunnell has some professional advice for listeners looking for seashells by the seashore this summer.

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– What is the prime time for uncovering seashells

– What are the best spots for looking for seashells, as well as spots to avoid

– What unique shells can be found on Texas shores

Written by Lila Weatherly.

Photo courtesy Wes Tunnell

Photo courtesy Wes Tunnell