We need your help to search the shores for washed up shark and skate eggcases!

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WHAT IS AN EGGCASE?

Great question! Skates, and some species of shark, reproduce by laying eggs on the sea-bed. After several months these hatch and a miniature skate or shark emerges.

Once empty, the eggcases often get washed up on the beach and can be found among the seaweed in the strandline.

They come in all sorts of amazing shapes and sizes (see below). And because of this we can tell which species laid it.

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BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST

Eggcase hunting is great fun and you'll be helping shark conservation at the same time.

So, next time you’re at the beach, why not take part in the Great Eggcase Hunt? Or, how about asking your parents or teacher to arrange an eggcase hunt at a beach near you?

Eggcases can be found all year round, so whatever the time of year keep an eye out!

It's important to record which eggcases are found and where, because it helps us find out where sharks are laying their young. We can then work to protect these areas, which are known as shark nursery grounds.

HAPPY EGGCASE HUNTING!

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RESOURCES:

We've created a range of resources to help you find, identify and record your eggcase(s), which you can download below. For those days you can't get to the beach we've also created an indoor eggcase hunt trail.

► Great Eggcase Hunt ID Poster for NW Europe (pdf)

► Indoor Easter Eggcase Hunt (pdf) & Eggcase Junior ID Guide (pdf)

► For lots more resources and information visit the Great Eggacse Hunt

► Found an eggcase? Click Here to record your find