The Captiva Island Yacht Club recently hosted an exceptional evening featuring Sam Ankerson, Executive Director of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, and his staff. Members gained valuable insights into more than 30 years of research, education, and conservation at America’s only accredited museum dedicated to shells, mollusks, and their ecosystems.
During the presentation, museum staff shared recent discoveries and regional observations, including population assessments, conservation status updates on iconic species, and evolving ecosystem dynamics. Guests were particularly impressed by the newly reopened Great Hall of Shells, now recognized as one of the world’s most extensive and visually striking public shell exhibits.
Our members left with a deeper appreciation for Southwest Florida’s remarkable marine heritage and many are planning visits to this important regional institution. We thank Sam Ankerson and his talented team for delivering such an informative program.
