Joint Resolution of the Georgia General Assembly

Apr. 16, 1987

 

 

 

KNOBBED WHELK -- DESIGNATION AS THE OFFICIAL STATE SEASHELL.

 

No. 42 (House Resolution No. 130).

A RESOLUTION.

Designating the Knobbed Whelk as the official state seashell; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the state has many official symbols but does not yet have a state seashell; and

WHEREAS, Busycon carica, commonly known as the Knobbed Whelk, is found naturally in the coastal waters of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, this beautiful shell is commonly found all along Georgia's shoreline; and

WHEREAS, this shell is an attractive, whorled shell with heavy spines and many knobs and has a semiglossy surface characterized by ocher striations resulting from the minerals present in the coastal waters of Georgia and an orange to red mouth; and

WHEREAS, the Knobbed Whelk is approximately eight inches long when fully mature and is found from the shoreline to 30 feet of water; and

WHEREAS, designating a state seashell will encourage citizens of the state and visitors alike to visit the beautiful beaches and coastal waters of the state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the Knobbed Whelk, Busycon carica, is designated as the official Georgia seashell.

Approved April 16, 1987.

Source: Ga. Laws 1987, p. 1130.

© Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia

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