I know this post is a couple months old but I really wanted to weigh in. The truth is there is no way to use seashells and have it be sustainable. Firstly, your information is correct-virtually all the commercially available shells have been trawled which devastates the ecosystem and the animals are still alive when collected then they are deliberately killed so they can be sold as decorations. Furthermore, collecting seashells off the beach is also extremely harmful to the ecosystem. So, even purchasing foraged empty shells or collecting them yourself off the beach still have hugely negative environmental impacts (though not as abruptly as trawling). Many studies have shown that collecting seashells off the beach devastates the natural ecosystem.
I am so happy, Dogfish, that you have chosen not to use real shells in your mermaid accessories! I feel like it is a huge problem in the mermaid hobby because so many mers don't realise the extent of the impact that shell harvesting causes. We all love the ocean and as mermaids it's our responsibility to be educated on this matter and protect the ocean and shore ecosystems which we as a community are failing at. I too am guilty of previously collecting shells off the beach. I truly didn't know that this would also cause a negative consequences to the ecosystem and I loved going to the beach as a little girl and collecting shells!
but I make my own accessories or make sure to buy ones without real shells! the wonderful thing is so many top makers use silicone so that is a wonderful alternative! For smaller shells I have silicone moulds I use modelling clay and bake and paint them! They are perfect for crowns and tops and other accessories as well!
Here is a link to a long-term scientific study over 30 years on the impact of tourists collecting shells off the beach
The full study for those with a scientific background:
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/art...l.pone.0083615
An article explaining the study in simpler terms:
https://www.theguardian.com/environm...em-marine-life
If anyone has any questions please do feel free to reach out to me. I studied marine biology and my focus was invertebrates. i'm happy to answer questions or help explain details of the study I linked. You can also find other studies on this topic as well or ask me and I can provide more.
But for anyone reading this just please stop using real shells- no matter where they come from it's harmful to the environment *heart*
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