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ABOUT THE SOCIETY
The prime objective of The Malacological Society of Australasia (MSA) is to promote the study of molluscs. Our members include amateurs, students and scientists interested in the study, conservation or appreciation of molluscs. If you are interested in becoming a member, please refer to our membership page.
The MSA is working towards becoming the umbrella group in Australasia (Australia, New Zealand and nearby countries in Asia and the Pacific) representing malacological interests. It is concerned with, and responds to, national and regional issues concerning conservation and funding for molluscan research, import/export controls etc. It has an international membership and is affiliated with other malacological groups including the American Malacological Society and the international organisation, Unitas Malacologica.
BRANCHES
Branches are operated by shell collectors and amateurs interested in the marine environment. Branches usually hold monthly meetings for discussions and display of shells. Some branches organise shell collecting field trips.
The Australian National Shell Show has been organised by shell clubs every two years, rotating between Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Shell collectors associated with the Society are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics for Shell Collectors.
1. Victoria
Secretary,
Michael Lyons
19 Banksia St, Blackburn, VIC 3130, Australia
Phone: +61 (0)3 9894 2147
Email: michael.lyons@optusnet.com.au
Meetings are held at 7.45 on the third Monday of each month except December (second Monday). No January or July meeting. Venue: Melbourne Camera Club Rooms, corner of Dorcas & Ferrars St, South Melbourne.
2. Queensland
Secretary, Mr R. Ellis
Malacological Society of Australasia, Queensland Branch
P.O. Box 64, Brisbane, Albert St, QLD 4002, Australia
Phone: +61 (0)7 3224 2923 (work), +61 (0)7 3848 9270 (home)
Email: msaqld@powerup.com.au
Meetings are held at 7.30pm on the last Tuesday of each month except December at the TLC Bilding, 20 Peel St, South Brisbane.
3. New South Wales
Co-run with Shell Club of Sydney
President, John Franklin
Phone: +61 (0)2 9907 9828
Email: president@sydneyshellclub.net
Website: www.sydneyshellclub.net
Meetings are held at 2.00pm on the fourth Saturday of each month in the Ryde-Eastwood Leagues club, 117 Ryedale Road, West Ryde, Sydney.
As information becomes available we hope to have a link to each affiliate society or an information page.
American Malacological Society
c/o David Hargreave
Dept of Science Studies
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo
MI 49008 USA
www.malacological.org
Cairns Shell Club
PO Box 1735
Cairns QLD 4870
Australia
Keppel Bay Shell Club
PO Box 5166
Rockhampton Mail Centre
QLD 4702
Australia
Hawaiian Malacological Society
PO Box 22130
Honolulu
Hawaii 96823-2130
USA
Unitas Malacologica
c/- Dr. E. Gittenberger
National Natuurhistorich Museum
Postbus 9517
NL-2300 RA Leiden
The Netherlands
www.ucd.ie/cobid/unitas/index.html
Western Australia Shell Club
c/- Ben Schneider
4 McKay St.,
Bentley WA 6102
Australia
CONSERVATION & ENDANGERED SPECIES
Society membership requires observance of a Code of Ethics regarding the collection of molluscs and is networked with the leading conservation organisations. The society is also working with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Mollusc Specialist Group to list Australia's threatened and endangered species of molluscs.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Malacological Society of Australasia considers the preservation and conservation of the fauna of Australasia as one of the society's most important goals. In keeping with this goal, the council has established a code of ethics to guide the members of the society in their collecting pursuits. By introducing a code of ethics, the council wishes to demonstrate that the Malacological Society of Australasia is a responsible body of naturalists who have a positive role to play in the preservation of Australasia's living resources.
1. Cause minimal disturbance to habitats
Habitat destruction is the most potent threat to molluscs (and other biota). Although other factors (e.g. pollution, land clearing) cause habitat destruction on a large scale, collectors can have significant impacts on local areas if they do not observe some simple rules:
- always carefully replace any log, rock, coral boulder etc. immediately after inspecting the underside for molluscs.
- try to disturb as few habitats (e.g. boulders, vegetation) as possible because the simple act of lifting a rock or log may destroy animals.
- always observe the laws regulating access to sites (e.g. reserves and parks). These rules have been established to protect habitats and their constituent communities.
2. Collect the minimum number of specimens necessary
Indiscriminate collecting can have devastating effects on local populations of molluscs. In keeping with this, the members should:
- abide by local, national and international laws governing species and habitats at all times.
- never collect more specimens than are strictly required for study and if possible collect empty shells.
- never collect individuals that are involved in reproductive behaviour (e.g. egg guarding, breeding aggregations).
- try to avoid the collection of juveniles or living individuals with damaged shells. In the first case, these have yet to breed and in the second case, damaged shells, if left alive can add to the pool of animals available for reproducing but are usually of little value to collectors.
- photography should be considered as an alternative where ever possible (especially for larger species).