A California mother named Charlotte Russ found herself in an unexpectedly expensive predicament when her children mistakenly collected 72 clams instead of seashells during a beach outing in November 2023.
Charlotte shared with KFSN-TV that her kids, under the impression they were gathering seashells, had actually amassed a collection of clams. “My kids, they thought they were collecting seashells, but they were actually collecting clams, 72 to be exact,” she explained.
The mistake led to Charlotte receiving a two-count citation for fishing without a license and for collecting Pismo clams, resulting in an initial fine of over $88,000. The hefty fine left her feeling “really sad and depressed,” she said, admitting that it “kind of ruined our trip.”
She wasn’t alone in this unfortunate situation; 57 others in the area were also fined for similar infractions. However, Charlotte’s fortunes changed when she appeared in court in San Luis Obispo in April. The judge, showing leniency, reduced her fine dramatically to just $500, which could also be worked off through community service.
This incident taught Charlotte and her children a valuable lesson. She has since instructed her kids not to touch anything at the beach, ensuring they understand the difference between clams and seashells. “They now know what a clam is compared to what a seashell is…” she said, emphasizing the importance of explaining such distinctions to them.
Why Clams Are Protected
Beaches have regulations to safeguard wildlife, particularly species like Pismo clams which haven’t yet spawned. Lt. Mathew Gil explained the ecological reasoning: “We have to let [the clams] get to four-and-a-half inches so they can spawn, so they can have offspring every year, and they have juvenile clams.” He clarified that while it’s permissible to collect dead or broken marine items like sand dollars or seashells, intact Pismo clams should be left undisturbed.
Despite the initial distress, Charlotte now looks back on the incident with a sense of humor, describing the trip to Pismo as “unforgettable.”