In the article “The Perils of the Pearly Nautilus” by Dr. Neale Monks we learn of the severe and potentially species endangering market for Nautilus shells. These beautiful shells are found for sale all over the world. Unfortunately, the Nautilus itself lives only in deep waters (more than 150 m) in the small area known as the Indo West Pacific. In a few specific areas, such as the waters off of the coast of Indonesia, the exportation of Nautilus’ is illegal. However, in most places it is both legal as well as highly unregulated.
Because of this lack of fishery regulation, it is hard to know how the Nautilus populations are doing, or whether or not they are being over-fished. Also, because they reproduce and mature at a slow rate, it would be very difficult for the Nautilus to come back from a period of over-fishing. This is the same type of situation that we have faced repeatedly with many different animals such as whales and elephants. The Nautilus however has been around far longer than these creatures.
I find it amazing that not only were these animals swimming in the oceans while dinosaurs walked the Earth, but that they were around far before that as well. They have been a part of this world for over 500 million years! I also wonder why we, as humans, have not been able to recreate their natural habitat in a captive situation well enough for them to be able to breed. It would be interesting to know what different variables have been tried in the creation of captive habitat for the Nautilus.
It is sad to think of creating a captive version of the Nautilus, but perhaps if we could, then we would be able to save the wild species. If we were able to create a habitat that the Nautilus would live and breed in comfortably, then we would be able to not only raise and harvest the captive Nautilus to supply the demand for their shells, but also save the original wild Nautilus as well.
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