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People visiting Cumbria's beaches have been warned they could face fines of up to £1,000 for removing pebbles or shells.
Under the Coastal Protection Act, it is illegal in Britain to take natural materials such as sand, shells and pebbles.
Cumberland Council said it wants to educate visitors about the damage caused to the environment when shells are removed.
Shells and pebbles, often collected as ornaments or souvenirs, act as a natural barrier that protects the land from coastal erosion, explains Neil Dixon of Cumberland Council.
“While it may seem harmless to remove a few stones and pebbles from our beaches, it is actually quite damaging to the fragile ecosystem that lies here,” he said.
However, locals and visitors decry the threat of fines and say collecting shells is a normal and fun part of going to the beach.
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People visiting Cumbria's beaches have been warned they could face fines of up to £1,000 for removing pebbles or shells
Steve Emery, a resident of Allonby in Cumbria, said: '[For] young children and families, it is part of staying by the sea. It's part of Allonby's history.'
Meanwhile, Scott MacKinnon said picking shells gives you a 'souvenir of your day', adding that people should only be fined if they 'take loads'.
Bob Kelly, executive member of Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services, said: “I understand people's reluctance to follow these guidelines, having collected shells myself.
'But taking a pebble or shell from a beach can actually damage the environment.'
MailOnline has contacted Cumberland Council for comment.