Conservation
Silver-gilt turban shell cup from the Gilbert Collection, Somerset House London. Made by Jacob Frick in Konstanz, Germany circa 1590-1600. Item O157898
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/ © V&A Images
Turbo marmoratus has been the focus of an intense fishery over the last century. It continues to be fished for its nacreous shell, which is used:
- in the manufacture of buttons
- as inlay material for lacquerware, furniture and jewellery
The heavy shell and large calcareous operculum are also valued as craft items and for the shell-trade.
The animal itself is eaten and the meat forms an important part of the diet of fishermen and local communities throughout the Indo-West Pacific.
These fishing pressures are often very intense. World harvest of T. marmoratus was estimated at:
- 800 tonnes in 1986
- 1000 tonnes in 1987 and 1988
To enhance and replenish valuable wild stocks, this species has become the focus of aquaculture programmes in Indo-West Pacific countries like Indonesia and Vanuatu, and juveniles have been reintroduced or newly introduced into Tonga, Samoa and French Polynesia.
Toolbox
Glossary
Nacreous
Consisting of nacre - an iridescent material composed of aragonite (a form of calcium carbonate). Nacre is also known as mother of pearl.
Operculum
A hard plate that serves to close the mouth when the animal is withdrawn into the shell.