Look what i found.

panais · 19 Sep 2011

MvdB said:

Looks good... did you check for pearls?

If I find pearls i will buy a new solid state for all and for me a super computer

JMH · 19 Sep 2011

panais said:

JMH said:

Panais how lovely! :)
One of my favourite pastimes has been exploring deserted beaches & finding shells. { whilst "avoiding" lurking crocodiles}

lurking crocodiles??

Joan Archer said:

They're famous for their salt water crocs panais.

Have you seen many Jan ?

Our "Salties" are large, fierce & operate in stealth mode.
Yes I have seen many when cruising with friends in {then} uncharted waters in our deserted North West. Had some runabouts plus a helicopter to explore the shoreline, inlets & hinterland. Crocs were with us constantly, watching, waiting, hoping....

Have also lived in an area where crocs were neighbours.
Had to watch the Labradors carefully when on our {virtually} people free beaches.

Anak · 19 Sep 2011

What you have there is a small clutch of Cockles , and if you want to try them they can be prepared in a variety of ways, even raw.
If cooking in the shell, soak them in clean water for an hour or so, so they have a chance to flush out the sand and dirt.
If raw just wash thoroughly with clean water.

If you have an aquarium they can be kept alive, but they can become a food source depending on the other species of aquatic life in your tank.

It is possible they can produce pearls, but they are not as prolific as Oysters.

Warning

Be careful where, and how you collect them as there may be regulations on harvesting and you could be setting yourself up for a modest to large fine if caught doing it.
If your serious, check with fish and game authorities, watermen, or friends on local customs and practices.

This article from the London Times says it is okay, but it is two years old. I would still check:

Catch your own shellfish supper
Grab your bucket and net and head for the coast — it’s fresh, fun and free

Source: Catch your own shellfish supper - Times Online

boohbah · 19 Sep 2011

Wow ,whoda thought it, you go to the beach and find ....shells, dont suppose you stumbled upon any sand did you?.

panais · 19 Sep 2011

boohbah said:

Wow ,whoda thought it, you go to the beach and find ....shells, dont suppose you stumbled upon any sand did you?.

Sand? Nop

Believe me they are people here who they have never seen life shells and maybe they will never do.

Anak thanks for the info!

Anak · 19 Sep 2011

Your welcome panais, my pleasure!