One hundred thousand years ago, a human cousin walked a rock- ribbed beach along the Mediterranean Sea, her head lowered and her large eyes scanning the shoreline. Now and again she stopped, bent her ...

A version of this story was originally published in 2023. Before you hit the Jersey Shore this summer, it may be wise to think twice if you happen upon a massive whelk shell on the beach that your kid ...

In Massachusetts, common blue mussels may not have the star power of Wellfleet oysters or the charisma of quahogs. But like all shellfish they play an important role in marine ecosystems. Mussels are ...

How do sea molluscs create the consistent patterns on their shells? How do they know when and how to change the pigment?

Robert Muir works in the cultural heritage and tourism industry. Nathan Brooks English does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit ...

Having recently spent several quiet days on nearly empty beaches along the New Jersey shore, I was taken by the beauty of what had to be millions of broken shells and fragments scattered along the ...

Ocean Beach restaurant owners say they’ve collected thousands of oyster shells this summer for a program that will use them to rebuild local marine habitats and the Long Island oyster population. Six ...

University of Delaware student Erin Leathrum spent her summer looking for coiling party hats atop cinnamon buns at the bottom of the ocean. Not literal party hats and cinnamon buns, mind you, but ...

Clams can live surprisingly long lives — some species survive over 100 years, and one ocean quahog nicknamed “Ming” was estimated to be more than 500 years old. They don’t have brains, but they do ...

Rhode Island beaches offer a variety of finds for beachcombers, including sea glass, shells, rocks, and even fossils. Popular spots include Sachuest Point for rocks and shells, Barrington Town Beach ...

Before you hit the Jersey Shore this summer, it may be wise to think twice if you happen upon a massive whelk shell on the beach that your kid wants to take home. Or even a live sand dollar, which ...