It was great to get back into the classroom. On April 3rd, I gave three hermit crab presentations at Ralph Stearley Primary School for science night. The kids had a lot of questions, and it was a blast!
On April 15th, I presented on Okinawa’s endangered & invasive species for AP Environmental Class at Kubasaki High School. Of course, we also spoke about hermit crab conservation. I attended Kubasaki from 1989-1992. It was a blast from the past!
On April 18th, I had a live interview on the Kelly Clarkson Show regarding Earth Day 2020. It was such a fantastic experience.
THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW — Episode 7I131 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal)
On April 20th, our team joined forces with Oist, Yomitan Beach Clean Network, Churamura Sea Turtle Conservation, Blue Reef Okinawa, and volunteers for a massive beach cleanup in Onna Village. Go Team Okinawa!
Please help me make a difference by supporting The MST4N Hermit Crab Conservation Project. Check out my Patreon page, MakeTheSwitch4Nature.For every supporting member, I will collect a bucket full of marine debris. Our waste is a massive problem on our beautiful shorelines.
Do you have any seashells collecting dust at home? If so, consider giving them back two nature.
The Mission of the #MTS4N conservation project is to spread joy, inspire change and save lives.
Click on the donation link below to help fund Shawn’s conservation projects.
So far, I have placed over seven hundred marked turbo seashells in the coastal forest for hermit crabs in need. The shells are marked and numbered with the hashtag #mts4n ( Make The Switch For Nature ). Hopefully, labeling the surface of the seashells will prevent poachers, beachcombers, and anglers from taking them.
Hermit crabs are a national living monument species of Japan. Collecting them is against the law. Take photos only!
What to do if you find a #MTS4N or #MILLER shell:
Take a photograph of the Hermit crab in its natural habitat
Enjoy the moment and do not harass it
Share on social media and tag #mts4n
These occupied shells are not collectibles; do not take them
The Mission of the Make the Switch 4 Nature (MTS4N) Hermit Crab Conservation project is to spread joy, inspire change, and save lives
What to do if you find a hermit crab adapting with plastic
Take a photograph of the hermit crab in its original habitat
Leave the hermit crab alone and do not harass it
Send me a DM with the exact beach location
I will place empty shells in the coastal forest for the hermit crabs
Have you ever taken an empty seashell from the beach? I am guilty. Most people don’t realize that they are taking the potential home of a hermit crab.
Did you know that hermit crabs are not born with shells? As hermit crabs grow, they depend on various empty shells as their homes. Hermit crabs do not make their own shells; instead, they use discarded shells from marine snails that wash ashore. They also adapt by using land snail shells found in the coastal forest. If you are a shell collector, please return all unwanted shells to the coastline. #taketrashnothomes
It’s crucial to protect these beautiful creatures for future generations. Hermit crabs play an essential role in the coastal ecosystem. Hermit crabs do not belong in cages; please leave them in their natural habitat.
2024 has been a busy year for hermit crab poaching. In April and May, we found many traps in the coastal forest. If you see any suspicious activity, please call the local police.
Hermit crabs do not belong in a cage. Let’s keep wild crabs wild.
Please help me make a difference by supporting the #MST4N Hermit Crab Conservation Project. Please check out my Patreon page, MakeTheSwitch4Nature. I will collect a bucket full of marine debris for every supporting member. Our waste is a massive problem on our beautiful shorelines.
Do you have any seashells collecting dust at home? If so, consider giving them back to nature. #taktrashnothomes
The Mission of the #MTS4N conservation project is to spread joy, inspire change, and save lives.
Click on the donation link below to help fund Shawn’s conservation projects.
Meet Jet Black, A blueberry hermit crab found adapting with a discarded plastic twist top cap.
The hermit crab was offered an assortment of shells. Jet Black made the switch into the donated seashell ” MTS4N 391 LIZA N MAGS OCEANBNB ”
I photographed the shy hermit crab in its new home, then released it back into the wild. Happy Crab – Happy Home!
I now keep all the twist-top caps that were used by hermit crabs. I currently have 107 caps that have been traded for shells ( #MTS4N Trading Plastic 4 Shells Collection )
As you can see our trash is a serious problem on our shorelines. Some organizations are doing great things making a difference but it’s not enough, We must all work together worldwide and attack this problem. We all have the ability to make a difference by reducing the amount of single-use items we use daily. Change can be difficult but I challenge you to make the switch 4 nature.
Thank you Steven David Johnsonfor your support, Check out his stunning conservation photography.
Listen to podcast 753 Interview, discussing the hermit crab conservation project. Martin Bailey Photography
Would you like to give back to nature? Consider making a contribution to support my mission in Hermit Crab Conservation MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Do you have any seashells collecting dust at home? if so, consider donating them to the #MTS4N Project
Please consider making a small donation to support my mission
Meet Fragile Francis, A blueberry hermit crab found adapting with a discarded plastic cap.
The hermit crab was offered an assortment of shells. Fragile Francis made the switch into the donated seashell ” MTS4N 393 To Eat Flowers ”
I photographed the shy hermit crab in its new home, then released it back into the wild. Happy Crab – Happy Home!
I now keep all the twist top caps that were used by hermit crabs. I currently have 106 caps that have been traded for shells ( #MTS4N Trading Plastic 4 Shells Collection )
As you can see our trash is a serious problem on our shorelines. Some organizations are doing great things making a difference but it’s not enough, We must all work together worldwide and attack this problem. We all have the ability to make a difference by reducing the amount of single-use items we use daily. Change can be difficult but I challenge you to make the switch 4 nature.
Would you like to give back to nature? Consider making a contribution to support my mission in Hermit Crab Conservation MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Thank you Hannah Reyes for your support and carving suggestion, Check out her stunning photography on Instagram.
Listen to podcast 753 Interview, discussing the hermit crab conservation project. Martin Bailey Photography
Do you have any seashells collecting dust at home? if so, consider donating them to the #MTS4N Project
Meet Zerocare, A blueberry hermit crab found adapting with a discarded plastic twist top cap.
The hermit crab was offered an assortment of shells. Zerocare made the switch into the donated seashell ” Zerocare MTS4N 282 ”
I photographed the shy hermit crab in its new home, then released it back into the wild. Happy Crab – Happy Home!
I now keep all the twist top caps that were used by hermit crabs. I currently have 105 caps that have been traded for shells ( #MTS4N Trading Plastic 4 Shells Collection )
As you can see our trash is a serious problem on our shorelines. Some organizations are doing great things making a difference but it’s not enough, We must all work together worldwide and attack this problem. We all have the ability to make a difference by reducing the amount of single-use items we use daily. Change can be difficult but I challenge you to make the switch 4 nature.
Would you like to give back to nature? Please support our Hermit Crab Conservation Project. MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Listen to podcast 753 Interview, discussing the hermit crab conservation project. Martin Bailey Photography
Thank youZEROCAREfor your support, You are making a difference by providing sustainable options and Protecting Our Oceans. Keep up the Great work!
Do you have any seashells collecting dust at home? if so, consider donating them to the #MTS4N Project
Please consider making a small donation to support the mission
Meet Mustard, A blueberry hermit crab found adapting with a discarded marker cap.
A friend called to inform me she found a hermit crab ( mustard ) adapting with plastic. I grabbed some empty shells, the #mts4n bucket and drove down to a local beach in Yomitan village. We placed Mustard into the bucket and within fifteen minutes he made the switch.
Mustard made the switch into donated shell ” MTS4N #412 It will get better ” which is part of the positive carving series.
I photographed the hermit crab in its new home, then released it back into the wild. Happy Crab-Happy Home!
I keep all the twist top caps that were used by hermit crabs. I currently have 105 caps that have been traded for shells.
As you can see our trash is a serious problem on our shorelines. Some organizations are doing great things making a difference but it’s not enough, We must all work together worldwide and attack this problem. We all have the ability to make a difference by reducing the amount of single-use items we use daily. Change can be difficult but I challenge you to make the switch 4 nature.
Would you like to give back to nature? Consider making a contribution to support my mission in Hermit Crab Conservation MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Listen to podcast 753 Interview, discussing the hermit crab conservation project. Martin Bailey Photography
Do you have any seashells collecting dust at home? if so, consider donating them to the #MTS4N Project.
Meet Brittle Bob, A blueberry hermit crab found adapting with a discarded plastic twist top cap.
The hermit crab was offered an assortment of shells. Brittle Bob made the switch into the donated seashell ” So Shire MTS4N 434 ”
I photographed the shy hermit crab in its new home, then released it back into the wild. Happy Crab – Happy Home!
I now keep all the twist top caps that were used by hermit crabs. I currently have 105 caps that have been traded for shells ( #MTS4N Collection )
As you can see our trash is a serious problem on our shorelines. Some organizations are doing great things making a difference but it’s not enough, We must all work together worldwide and attack this problem. We all have the ability to make a difference by reducing the amount of single-use items we use daily. Change can be difficult but I challenge you to make the switch 4 nature.
Interview with Kelly Meyer – Hermit Crab Conservation Project, Okinawa
Would you like to give back to nature? Consider making a contribution to support my mission in Hermit Crab Conservation MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Listen to podcast 753 Interview, discussing the hermit crab conservation project. Martin Bailey Photography
Thank youSo Shirefor your support, You are doing great providing sustainable options and Protecting Our Oceans. Keep up the Great work!
Do you have any seashells collecting dust at home? if so, consider donating them to the #MTS4N Project, Have a great day!
Meet Green Tea, A large Blueberry hermit crab found adapting with single-use plastic.
The hermit crab was offered an assortment of shells. Green tea made the switch into the donated seashell ” No More Plastic Caps ” MTS4N #383.
After I photograph the hermit crab within its new home, I release it back into the wild and keep the plastic cap. Happy crab – Happy Home!
In August I reached out to my friend Martin Bailey and asked him if he wanted to be part of the project: Trading plastic for shells. He agreed and I carved ” No more Plastic caps ” on an MTS4N shell for him.
Martin asked me if I would join him on his podcast to discuss the project. Trading plastic for shells. It was great catching up with him!
If you would like to listen to podcast 753, view some amazing nature photography, or take a nature tour in Mainland Japan check out his website. Martin Bailey Photography
As you can see our trash is a serious problem on our shorelines. Some organizations are doing great things making a difference but it’s not enough, We must all work together worldwide and attack this problem. We all have the ability to make a difference by reducing the amount of single-use items we use daily. Change can be difficult but I challenge you to make the switch 4 nature.
If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission in Hermit Crab Conservation please check out my Patreon page. MakeTheSwitch4Nature
Do you have any seashells collecting dust at home? if so, consider donating them to the #MTS4N Project, Have a great day!
How many times have you picked up an empty seashell and brought it home? Most people don’t realize that they are taking a potential mobile home. As hermit crabs grow larger they have to upgrade their mobile home. They are constantly searching for larger seashells. No shells, then the hermits will adapt with plastic twist tops, plugs, and even broken bottles. Over collecting seashells is a contributing factor.
” Trading Plastic for Shells ” Every hermit crab found adapting with trash receives a proper seashell home. They get a better home and I keep the plastic. So far I have a nice collection of plastic.
Trading plastic for shells collection
In 2020, Tony Choi ( hermit crab specialist ) recommended that I place empty seashells on the shorelines. He explained that Taiwan has the same issue with over-collecting. Tony sent me the first shell donation and after that more people starting making kind contributions. I engraved numbers on all the shells. Hopefully, this will prevent beachcombers and fishermen from taking the shells.
Trading plastic for shells
Below is a large land hermit crab ( Coenobita cavipes ) I found using a plastic PVC 90-degree elbow as a protective home. Yomitan Village, Okinawa.
How do I get the crabs to swap? I bring a bucket with an assortment of native shells with me on my beach hikes. The hermit crabs are placed in the bucket and make the switch on their own. They get a better home and I keep the plastic. #Maketheswitch4nature
The land hermit crab made the switch into a donated tapestry shell (Miller #23). Hermit crabs do not prefer plastic, they are just adapting to what is available.
If you would like to see video footage of the hermit crabs making the switch from plastic to seashell check out MakeTheSwitch4Nature
” Trading plastic for shells ” Before and after examples
Blue Thumbnail
Miller #45
Trumpet player
Miller #51
Jump rope
mts4n #29
Marshmallow
Miller #27
This post is not to make people sad, guilty, or lose hope, It is to bring awareness to the ongoing trash problem in our oceans and on our shorelines. Hopefully, these images will inspire people to change.
My Mission: To Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations
Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bringing solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support. Shawn M Miller.
One of my favorite things to do is to go beachcombing after typhoons. Over the years, I have seen a significant increase in the amount of marine debris washed ashore. The trash is from all over the world, but the majority of it washes up from Korea, China, and Japan
The resourceful hermit crabs take full advantage of plastic tubes and twist top caps. They move into this valuable real estate and use it as a protective mobile home until they find a better option.
Hermit Crabs prefer to live in a natural seashell. Due to a decline in the number of seashells, the hermit crabs have to adapt with our trash to survive. Below are photographs of hermit crabs found naturally adapting with the plastic tubing.
Lucky was the first hermit crab I photographed adapting with plastic tubing. (2014)
The long plastic tubing slows down their movement. Not the ideal mobile home for a hermit crab.
Sometimes I find them living in clear plastic. Over time the plastic turns yellow and becomes brittle. Eventually, it will break up into microplastic.
Every hermit crab found adapting with our waste receives a new home (seashell). I bring a bucket with an assortment of shells with me on my beach hikes. The hermit crabs are placed in the bucket and make the switch. They get a better home and I keep the plastic.
Make the switch for nature
I was surprised to find this small blueberry hermit crab using a jump rope handle as a mobile home. The crab switched into a tapestry turban shell (mts4n #29) immediately.
The hermit crab is one of the few animals that can successfully adapt with our waste. If you would like to learn more about hermit crabs adapting with our waste please check out my post on “Crabs With Beach Trash Homes” by Shawn M Miller.
This post is not to make people sad, guilty, or lose hope, It is to bring awareness to the ongoing trash problem in our oceans and on our shorelines. Hopefully, these images will inspire people to change.
Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bringing solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support. Shawn M Miller.
