I found an empty (long abandoned by host) conch shell on the beach. I would like to bring it back to the the US. It seems (via X) that TSA is okay with it In carryon as long as it’s morally, ethically, Spiritually, physically, Positively, absolutely undeniably and reliably dead! (and doesn’t smell).
Will I have issues with the Airport in SXM?

Thanks

It's not just TSA. Shells are not allowed to be taken off island.

I thought you would know
Thanks

We brought one back years ago but I would not try it today.

We have taken many shells (not living) from the Bahamas ans Mexico with no problems. We didn't put it in our carry on luggage.

I came on Sunday, carryon only. There were looong lines for baggage, I was through the airport in 20 mins.
Certainly don’t was issues with taking stuff through the process going home.
Thanks

I know you are not supposed to take back shells from SXm. While saying that I have taken some home but always put them in my checked luggage. Attached is a photo of I shell I brought home this November. The animal was removed from the shell probably by fisherman, there were hundreds there many there for years.

Same here.

Before we knew better we did as well.

There used to be a sign in departures with a picture of them with red x or line through it.

Right After Irma when departure was in the “basement” of the airport there were multiple bins full of shells. Never thought twice about it until that moment. “What’s one shell”!

One year leaving SXM my wife got "pulled over" at customs and the agent said to her I'm going to teach you how to pack your liquids in your carry on and threw out the oversized liquids. I had a smile on my face when this happened and she has been good ever since. While this was going on I noticed about 6 conch shells lined up on the floor behind him. So ya it's not worth it to try.

I grew up with my dad quoting John Muir with "take only pictures, leave only footprints, kill only time". If you know it is wrong, then don't do it, there are good reasons why this is a rule or law.

Love John Muir; love the quote.

What are they?

Just for the sake of information...

A few years ago I had the need to transport a piece of dead brain coral from one country to another. Note: we are no longer permitted to take coral from reefs. I had purchased this amazing specimen back in the 1970's, when it was still allowed.

To transport the coral, I had to obtain a CITES document - Certificate for International Transport of Endangered Species - from the Canadian government. I had to get permission from the receiving country to bring the coral in.

I had to report to customs in Canada when I left and show them my documents and the coral. I had to report to customs on arrival in Bermuda and show them my documents and the coral.

The brain coral now resides on display in the Bermuda Underwater Institute of Exploration. They did not have such a specimen before and were very happy to receive it.

So.... I guess it is possible to transport some items but it is very time-consuming. In my case, it was all worth it to return the coral to the island it came from.