Great Shark Ray Eggcase Hunt - All year round!
Tue 11 Apr
|Location is TBD
Great Eggcase Hunt organised by The Sharks Trust Become a citizen scientist and help us learn more about sharks, skates and rays by finding and recording eggcases. All you need to know on how to search for, identify+record your eggcase finds, please visit: https://www.sharktrust.org/greateggcasehunt
Time & Location
11 Apr 2023, 18:00 – 20:00
Location is TBD
About the event
WHAT IS AN EGGCASE?
Some sharks, and all true skates, reproduce by laying eggs. These are surrounded by a tough leathery capsule that protects the embryo as it develops inside. After several months these are ready to hatch, and a fully-formed shark or skate will emerge. Please note that in the UK many skate species are referred to as rays in their common names.
Once empty, the eggcases (or mermaid’s purses) often wash up on the beach. One of the best places to find them is among the strandline, where the seaweed washes up. The eggcases of different species vary. So, by looking at the size, shape and features, we can tell which species laid it. You can learn to identify eggcases too. We’ll show you how!
THE PROJECT
The Great Eggcase Hunt began in 2003 following a chance find on a beach in Devon. The project quickly developed with the aim of getting as many people as possible out hunting for eggcases and recording their finds.
Empty eggcases can help indicate species presence and diversity. By recording your finds, you're helping us to discover more about egglaying species in our waters.
Eggcases wash up all year round. So, whatever the time of year keep your eyes peeled!
For more information, and to take part, please visit: https://www.sharktrust.org/greateggcasehunt