Join the Easter Egg Case Hunt!

Looking for a fun way to add purpose to your easter diving? How about an Easter Egg Case Hunt?

UK waters are home to 60 species of shark, skate and ray species, collectively known as Elasmobranchs, including the critically endangered Flapper Skate and Blue Skate. These species are some of the most iconic to inhabit our waters and are a thrill to see underwater. The Shark Trust works to improve the conservation status of these species through the Great Egg Case Hunt, a citizen science initiative which collects records of egg cases, also known as Mermaid’s Purses. 

Sharks and skates reproduce by laying eggs in thick, tough cases. The eggs develop inside these cases and swim free as a fully formed shark or skate. - The Shark Trust

So far, The Shark Trust has collected over 500,000 records of egg cases, which have enabled them to build up a picture of the distribution of the different species. This is important information that will help to inform conservation measures and enable protection. However, most of these records are of empty egg cases found washed up on the shore.

The Shark Trust

Small spotted catshark egg case

This is where divers and snorkellers come in. The Shark Trust is particularly interested in underwater records of egg cases in order to help pinpoint precisely where these species are breeding. As the eyes beneath the waves, you can provide valuable information.

How you can get involved

If you spot an egg case underwater, take a photo if possible and record the location. You can upload your finding using the Shark Trust app.

Did you know: The Flapper Skate used to be so numerous that it was known as the Common Skate, now it is listed as critically endangered.

Top tips

• Underwater egg cases are often secured in algae and can be well camouflaged
• Egg cases can be found at a range of depths so you can find them snorkelling or diving
• The Great Egg Case Hunt records findings all year, not just for Easter - but who doesn’t like doing an egg hunt at Easter!
• Confusingly, some species which have ‘ray’ in their common name, such as Thornback Rays, are actually skates
• Underwater egg cases may contain a live baby shark or skate, and incredibly exciting experience to see, but please do not touch or disturb them