I found a MTS4N seashell on Okinawa. What should I do?

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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
Hermit crabs living in our trash

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.

Interview On the Kelly Clarkson Show
Making the switch 4 nature
Featured On AFN Okinawa


MTS4N 391 – Trading plastic 4 shells by Shawn Miller

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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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 40813162295_82f222f0f5_b-980x654.jpg

Thank you Steven David Johnson for 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

Have an awesome day! Shawn Miller

MTS4N 393 To Eat Flowers -Trading Plastic 4 Shells

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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

Have an Awesome day! Shawn Miller

Zerocare MTS4N 282 – Trading Plastic for Shells

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Meet Zerocare, A blueberry hermit crab found adapting with a discarded plastic twist top cap.

zerocare hermit crabs and 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 )

plastic caps used by hermit crabs

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 you ZEROCARE for 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

Have an Awesome day! Shawn Miller

It Will Get Better Mts4n #412 – Trading plastic 4 Shells

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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.

hermit crabs plastic cap 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

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.

Have a great day! Shawn Miller

MTS4N 434 So Shire – Trading plastic 4 Shells

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Meet Brittle Bob, A blueberry hermit crab found adapting with a discarded plastic twist top cap.

Crabs with plastic homes

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.

Okinawa beach trash

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 you So Shire for 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!

Millions of Pumice Stones Wash Ashore Okinawa’s Eastern Coastline

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Due to an underwater volcanic eruption around the Ogasawara Islands, millions of pumice stones washed ashore on the eastern coast of Okinawa. Pumice stones are formed when lava and water mix together. The lightweight stones are abrasive and are mainly used to remove dead skin on the feet. ” take off your shoes and enjoy the walk “

The massive amount of fresh pumice in a confined area gave me a headache. It smelled a little like sulfur to me. The rotting barnacles attached to the stones didn’t help either.

The larger hermit crabs definitely had a hard time crawling over the pumice mounds washed ashore. I wonder how these stones will impact marine life?

The combination of earth, wind, and fire produced some beautiful natural abstracts.

The fresh pumice fluoresced under blue light. I used the Light & Motion Nightsea blue light to create this photograph.

Pumice of the Ryukyu Islands

Mission: Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for future generations.

If you would like to help support my mission, click here – MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Have a great day! #MTS4N

No more plastic caps -Trading plastic for shells by Shawn Miller

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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!




Carving 4 Nature by Shawn Miller

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Wouldn’t you rather see hermit crabs adapting with seashells instead of plastic?

Carving 4 nature is an extension project I have been working on since 2020, combining “Crabs with Beach Trash Homes” and “Trading Plastic 4 Nature.” I offer hermit crabs native seashells instead of plastic. The shells are carefully engraved and numbered using a DREMEL tool. Hopefully labeling the shells will prevent collectors, beachcombers, and or fishermen from taking them in the future. 

Carving 4 nature -Using the trusty DREMEL tool

July 15th, I will post a video clip of the hermit crab making the switch from plastic to seashell (#mts4n). I will also pick up eleven pieces of waste off the shoreline for every new Conservationist tier member at MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Take trash not homes

If you would like to have a family member’s initials engraved on a shell, or a meaningful word engraved, or make a contribution to support my mission please check out my Patreon page. MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Trading Plastic 4 Shells – Giving Hermit Crabs a Better Tomorrow!


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 for Nature 

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Mission: Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for future generations. If you would like to help support my mission, click here – MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Learn more about making a difference, TEDx talk | Adapting to or Changing Environment by Shawn M Miller

Get Fa-Millerized with the Nature of the Ryukyu Islands  – – – –  SUBSCRIBE BELOW


Trading plastic for shells by Shawn Miller

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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.

Take trash not crab homes

” 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.

Shawn Miller - plastic collection
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.

Carving with the Dremel tool by Shawn Miller
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

If you would like to help me make a difference Please check out my Patreon Site https://www.patreon.com/MakeTheSwitch4Nature

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.