[dylan604]

You may think it is pedantic, but it's not dissimilar to those that think "no cop, no stop" is valid. Just because you didn't get caught doesn't mean it's not violating the regulations.

The spirit of the law is not "large quantities", it's to get people used to the idea of letting nature be and not taking something just because you want to. If you come across a rock that you think is interesting and keep it for yourself, you're denying the next person to discover it on their trip. If you take a rock or two or maybe three, then so does the next person, and the next, well, you get how math works. So since people can't be trusted to not take, there exists an official policy that says you can't.

[rmunn]

I think you partially misunderstood the previous comment. The "that's simply the nature of going to a beach" line refers to how, when you get home, you'll find your sandals, swimsuit, etc. covered in little grains of sand. But any police officer who tried to charge someone with taking sand from the beach because they sat down on the beach and some grains of sand clung to their clothing... would be completely overstepping the intent of the law (and would get severely reprimanded by any sane judge who got handed the case, just prior to said judge dismissing the case with prejudice).

Now, scooping up a handful of sand and sticking it in a vial would be against the law in many places, though I imagine a researcher asking for permission would probably be granted permission in most of those places.

[fc417fc802]

I doubt a researcher would ask for permission for single vial and I rather doubt anyone has ever been prosecuted for that. At least in any sane jurisdiction. The problem is people who think "since I'm stopping by that river tomorrow anyway why don't I pack a tarp and shovel and save purchasing sand from the hardware store for my new patio".

I'm not sure what the situation is for rocks but given a relatively unpopulated beach if I see a neat agate or other mineral I'm definitely taking it with me. If everyone did the same the environment wouldn't be any worse off.

[DoctorOetker]

I believe kickopotomus just meant that whenever you go to the beach, and later return, you inevitably have some sand in your shoes, socks, b-crack, pants, etc... in this context your statement reads bizarre as if people are guilty of crimes just because some irritating sand decides to hitchhike in your socks...