They find seashells by the sea shore. (Photo by Tom Shevlin)
NEWPORT, R.I. – Easton’s Beach was awash with shells on Monday morning. Here to the right, a couple of collectors scour the sand, in search of the perfect shell.
Update: Reader and marine biologist Carolyn wrote in to note that last week’s coastal storm is a likely cause for the clam kill. She noted that while not a regular occurrence, this type of event happens once or twice a year – usually the late fall or early winter and especially during periods of heavy rain and surf.
Incidentally, if you find yourself inclined to take home a shell or two, there are a number of ways to make them fit for the house.
Bury Them! Patience is a must with this option, but it’s also one of the easiest to undertake if your shells still have tissue in them. Simply locate an area in your yard or garden and dig a hole roughly 18 inches deep. Place the sea shells in the hole and cover. And that’s it! In about two months, all of the tissue should be removed and the only thing left for you to do is rinse them off with a bit of bleach and warm water. Shine with mineral or baby oil for a nice glossy finish.
Put them on Ice. Use this option if your shell still contains some animal tissue. Simply place the shells into an air-tight plastic freezer bag and allow to come down to temperature. When you’re ready to clean them, remove the bag and allow to defrost. Any tissue still inside will break away easily. Next, soak the shells in a 50-50 mixture of bleach and warm water. Shine with mineral or baby oil for a nice glossy finish.
Bleaching: If no tissue remains, soak the seashells in a 50-50 solution of bleach and warm water, scrubbing occasionally if desired. If there are any barnacles or other material on the shells, now is the time to remove them. Use a grill brush, dental pick or wire scrub brush for best results. Shine with mineral or baby oil for a nice glossy finish.
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Newport, RI
