Marine Biologist Finds 60 Piggy Banks on Texas Beaches

A marine biologist collected more than 60 plastic piggy banks that washed ashore on several South Texas beaches this year. Jace Tunnell of the Harte Research Institute found 14 of the items on a single day and has gathered additional banks reported by other beachcombers on the Bolivar Peninsula and South Padre Island.

Tunnell told 12NewsNow that all of the banks originated from South American or Caribbean countries. He said the items may have entered the water after being discarded by users or following a cargo spill or container ship accident.

Tunnell observed that many of the banks showed cuts from prior use, while others appeared unused. He said the empty plastic containers floated easily and were likely carried by ocean currents to the Texas coast. The banks contained no money. Tunnell said he has only found sand dollars inside them and has advised others not to expect cash.

Markings on the banks may help identify their source, according to Tunnell. He has not determined the exact cause of the deposits despite his experience studying marine debris.