A seemingly innocent practice of collecting seashells as souvenirs is driving an environmental crisis, according to research from the University of Florida and the University of Barcelona. The study highlights that removing seashells from beaches disrupts coastal ecosystems, threatens biodiversity, destabilises sediment, and weakens natural defences against climate change.
Costa Rica has taken a proactive stance against this issue by confiscating large quantities of seashells at its airports. Until recently, these shells were buried, as their origin—whether Pacific or Caribbean—was often unknown. Returning them without proper classification risked introducing non-native organisms, parasites, or microbes, potentially endangering local biodiversity.
To address this challenge, Costa Rica launched the “Back Home” project, spearheaded by FIFCO in partnership with Imperial, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, AERIS, and the University of Costa Rica. The initiative combines cutting-edge technology with public education to safely return confiscated shells to their natural habitats and raise awareness about the impact of seashell extraction.
A key innovation of the project is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that identifies the origin of seashells with remarkable accuracy. Developed by FIFCO, the tool can determine whether a shell belongs to the Pacific or Caribbean ecosystems using a photograph, achieving up to 90% accuracy within seconds. The AI model was trained using a dataset of over 18,500 images representing 525 species. This ensures shells are returned to their correct environment, preserving ecological balance.
In 2024, the project successfully returned over 36,000 seashells to their natural habitats, marking a significant milestone. This achievement not only restored their role within marine ecosystems but also emptied storage facilities at one airport. It represents a new approach to addressing the issue of seashell extraction, with Costa Rica leading the way.
Public awareness has been another critical component of the “Back Home” project. A dedicated platform features educational materials and a documentary to inform the public about the ecological damage caused by removing seashells. Organisers hope this will discourage the practice and encourage more sustainable tourism behaviour.
The project’s AI model has been made open source, allowing other countries to adapt and develop similar systems. This move underscores the initiative’s potential to serve as a global model for combating the environmental impact of souvenir collection.
The Costa Rican government and its partners view this as a crucial step in protecting marine ecosystems. “By blending innovation and education, we are turning a problem into an opportunity to restore our natural heritage,” said a spokesperson for the initiative.
The “Back Home” project sets a precedent for using technology and public awareness to address ecological challenges. Costa Rica’s efforts highlight the urgent need for global action to mitigate the environmental impact of seemingly minor human activities.