The Shark Trust and British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) are joining forces in asking divers to help reveal one of the ocean’s best-kept secrets, where sharks and skate lay their eggs. Take part in the Great Underwater Egg Case Hunt.
Following a productive meeting at the Go Diving Show, the Shark Trust and BSAC have announced a new partnership whereby BSAC clubs and members are encouraged to contribute to shark conservation through the Shark Trust’s citizen science initiatives.
But you don’t have to be a member of BSAC to join in. Any divers can contribute.
The Great Eggcase Hunt asks people of all ages to head to their local beaches and search for mermaid’s purses – the eggcases from sharks and skate. By recording what has been found, participants can help build a better understanding of these species, ultimately meaning we can learn how to better protect or manage these fascinating (and often vulnerable) ocean species, along with the areas that are important for them.
Underwater observations needed
While the Shark Trust’s Great Eggcase Hunt has now seen over 600,000 eggcases recorded during the past two decades, just 0.7% of these were from underwater submissions where the shark or skate was still developing in its capsule. Senior Conservation Officer Cat Gordon said “Eggcases seen developing underwater are a crucial piece of the puzzle. They help us link the areas where empty eggcases regularly wash ashore with the habitats that are important for this stage of the life cycle. We’re asking divers and snorkellers to keep an eye out for eggcases seen attached to seaweed or seabed habitats.” She adds that “Recording these observations will help provide a valuable insight into the critical habitat used for the egg-laying process.”
Underwater records help us pin-point exactly where sharks and skates are laying and can be linked to beach records. Learning the depth and substrate that they lay on also helps us to better understand the species.
So, if you’re a diver, snorkeller, stand-up paddleboarder, or anyone who enjoys spending time in the water, keep an eye out. Often they’re extremely well camouflaged and can have marine organisms such as algae growing on them. If you do spot one make a note of the location and, if possible, take a photo. Then record your finding as normal.
Remember – these eggs may contain a live shark or skate, so it’s important not to disturb them.
Eggcases around the world
Eggcase hunting has taken off in a big way. What began as a British project has now expanded around the world. The Shark Trust has records from Ecuador to South Africa and Australia, and many places in between. In total, they’ve had 49 species reported from 30 countries.
Take part
See the Shark Trust’s Great Egg Case Hunt for more details of how to take part, and record your observations at https://recording.sharktrust.org/eggcases/record
Main image: Jess Worsley/CC-BY-NC
