Shell museum staffers attend annual Conchologists of America Convention
Several staff members from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum recently participated in the 2021 Conchologists of America Convention in Melbourne.
An international organization dedicated to the scientific study of shells, the COA has long had a close connection with the museum and the islands, holding its 2019 convention on Captiva and counting many local residents as members and volunteer leaders.
Senior Marine Biologist Rebecca Mensch gave a talk recapping the last several years of renovations at the museum. Her presentation began with a brief history of the facility and animal programs in 2018, followed by an overview of the reconstruction of the facility and installation of new marine life exhibits in 2019 and 2020. The talk culminated with an overview of the new “Beyond Shells: Living Gallery” exhibit and current practices of animal care for the aquariums’ mollusk inhabitants.
Museum Science Director and Curator Dr. José H. Leal also attended. Leal is the immediate past president of the COA board of directors and longtime member of the organization’s leadership.
“COA organizers are to be congratulated on an impressive educational gathering,” he said. “It was important and encouraging for so many members of our field to meet again in person.”
Executive Director Sam Ankerson was also in attendance.
“My first time experiencing COA provided a wealth of knowledge and an introduction to a wide range of academics, amateur experts and commercial dealers from throughout the U.S.,” he said. “This is an event where the most current issues of the field are brought to light and discussed, and fitting for the museum’s scientists to play key roles.”
Next year’s Conchologists of America Convention will be held in Galveston, Texas.