BLUE SKATE (Dipturus batis) Expand Previously known as the Common Skate, which is now known to have masked 2 species - Flapper Skate and Blue Skate.Size:Maximum Eggcase Length: ~21cm (ranges from 19–24cm)Eggcase Length (without horns): ~14cm (ranges from 13-15cm)Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels): ~7cm (ranges from 6-8cm)Range: In the Northeast Atlantic, it's present from Iceland and the northern North Sea around to the western British Isles and Celtic Sea. The Blue Skate generally has a more southerly distribution than the Flapper Skate. But the distribution of both species overlaps in the Celtic Sea to northwest Scotland. Similar Eggcase: The much larger Flapper Skate eggcase. Great Eggcase Hunt Records: Few beach records of Blue Skate eggcases have been reported to the Great Eggcase Hunt, but all have been submitted from Cornwall. Underwater records are from scientific surveys.
Angular Roughshark ID Guide Expand ► Angular Roughshark ID Guide (pdf) ► Angular Roughshark Pocket Guide (pdf)
WHITE SKATE (Rostroraja alba) Expand Size:Maximum Eggcase Length: ~28cmEggcase Length (without horns): ~15cm (ranges from 12-19cm)Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels): ~12.5cm (ranges from 10-14.5cm) Range: Although the distribution of the White Skate in the Northeast Atlantic extends from the southwest coast of the British Isles to South Africa, this Critically Endangered species is now rarely encountered in British waters. Similar Eggcase: The only eggcase to rival in terms of size is the Flapper Skate, which has a different colour, texture, and horn shape. Great Eggcase Hunt Records: Most verified records are from southwest Ireland and from South Africa. Few other records have been verified but are scattered in distribution - including from Devon, Cornwall, Wales, Scotland, Fair Isle, and Sicily.
Birdbeak Dogfish ID Guide Expand ► Birdbeak Dogfish ID Guide (pdf) ► Birdbeak Dogfish Pocket Guide (pdf)
Blackmouth Catshark ID Guide Expand ► Blackmouth Catshark ID Guide (pdf) ► Blackmouth Catshark Pocket Guide (pdf)
Bluntnose Sixgill Shark ID Guide Expand ► Bluntnose Sixgill Shark ID Guide (pdf) ► Bluntnose Sixgill Shark Pocket Guide (pdf)
GLOBAL SHARKS & RAYS INITIATIVE (GSRI) We've joined forces with leading global partners to form GSRI. A formidable coalition of shark experts all united under one umbrella. Together we're taking action to ensure a positive future for sharks and rays. Expand Early in 2016, we launched an ambitious 10-year plan. The product of an intensive 18-month strategic planning process. The plan incorporates extensive scientific, fisheries and trade data analysis. Based on the best data available, it shapes our global effort for the coming years. GSRI is made up of the following organisations: Shark Advocates International The Shark Trust TRAFFIC Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Shark Specialist Group (SSG) OUR AIM - By 2025, the conservation status of the world’s sharks and rays has improved. Declines have been halted. Extinctions have been prevented. And commitments to their conservation have increased globally.To achieve this we'll need support from a wide range of organisations, agencies and institutions. The world of shark conservation is multifaceted and involves many complex moving parts. All co-existing and intricately interconnected. So, we'll be adopting a holistic approach and will be using a range of tactics and strategies. We'll be focusing on 4 key areas: SAVING SHARK & RAY SPECIES - our actions will focus on protecting species through strict national protections. Starting with the most endangered species: sawfishes, angelsharks, guitarfishes and wedgefishes. SUSTAINABLE SHARK & RAY FISHERIES - our aim is to stop the over-exploitation of sharks in at least 40 priority countries. As well as in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). We'll achieve this by improving science-based fisheries management measures. RESPONSIBLE TRADE - we aim to put in place effective trade controls. This will ensure international trade in shark products is legal, sustainable and traceable. RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION - we aim to reduce demand for unsustainable shark products in important global markets. We also want to see markets demanding sustainable and traceable shark products. Shark products include meat, fins, squalene, manta and devil ray gill plates, and freshwater stingrays. ► Find out more about the 10 year plan - download the GSRI report (pdf) ► Visit the GSRI website
SHARK LEAGUE FOR ATLANTIC & MEDITERRANEAN In 2017 we joined forces with Shark Advocates International, PADI AWARE Foundation and Ecology Action to form the Shark League. Together we’re focusing on safeguarding sharks through Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs). Expand Sharks are among the oceans’ most vulnerable yet under‐protected animals. Sharks in the Atlantic and Mediterranean are particularly at risk. We urgently need to protect them from overfishing and finning. To do this we're working to secure: Shark and ray catch limits that align with scientific advice Strict protections for endangered species Strong, enforceable bans on shark finning THE PROBLEM: Sharks are particularly vulnerable to overfishing due to their biology. They grow slowly, mature late, and produce few young. Many populations have been seriously overfished, putting entire ecosystems at risk. Populations are targeted by fisheries but are also caught as bycatch and retained. Most countries lack catch limits for key species. As many species swim across national boundaries, they're fished by vessels from several countries. The wasteful practice of shark finning remains a threat. Despite finning bans being in place, weak legislation could still be allowing this to go on undetected. THE SOLUTION: The world’s RFMOs provide hope for swift conservation action. These international regulatory bodies are formed by countries with fishing interests in a particular area. They have the power to set fishing limits and other obligations. And their decisions are critical to the sustainability of regional shark populations. RFMO measures affect fishing on the international waters known as the high seas. But they’re also meant to result in complementary domestic measures. These can reduce risks closer to shore, and in some cases, other oceans. RFMO policies: directly address excessive fishing mortality apply to many countries at once are often replicated at other RFMOs, potentially expanding safeguards globally We'll be focusing our efforts on the following RFMOs, who stand out when it comes to taking action for sharks: The International Commission for the Conservation of Tunas (ICCAT) - we’re urging Parties to adopt international catch limits for Shortfin Mako and Blue Shark. And to strengthen the finning ban by requiring all sharks to be landed with their fins naturally attached. The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) – we’re urging the GFCM to address non-compliance with the shark and ray measure. And for its Parties to immediately adopt the corresponding national bans as agreed in 2012. The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO) – we’re urging NAFO Parties to reduce skate quotas to align with scientific advice. As well as to safeguard deep-sea sharks. ► Download the SLAM Factsheet (pdf) ► Visit the SLAM website
IDENTIFICATION TROUBLESHOOTER If you’re having problems identifying your eggcase, it could be because... Expand It’s Broken - Some key features may be missing as eggcase horns and tendrils are delicate and can break easily. Short Horns - If the horns have snapped they'll look a lot shorter than they should. The eggcases of species such as the Small-eyed Ray and Cuckoo Ray have long and delicate horns so may not survive the surf intact. Colour - Don't use colour as an identifying feature. Individual animals have unique characteristics so their eggcases will be slightly different to other animals of the same species. Smallspotted Catshark eggcases in particular can be golden, yellow, dark green, brown, black or even transparent. Attachments - You may notice other organisms attached to the eggcase. Ignore these when making an ID. Misshapen Capsules – Old specimens and eggcases that’ve been dry for a long time may never fully return to their original shape when soaked. Beware Eggcase Imposters - The large air bladders of some species of seaweed are often mistaken for eggcases. Size - Size can vary greatly even within the same species. So, don’t get too caught up if it’s a centimetre or so outside of the size ranges we provide on the ID guide. Still Having Trouble? Sometimes eggcases can be tricky to ID, especially if they’re damaged. But we’ve seen a lot of eggcases in our time, and we’re always here to help. If you’re having trouble just send us a photo (or the specimen) and we’ll get our eggcase experts on the case. Verifying Your Record Seeing the eggcase, or at least a photo, is important as it enables us to verify your record. So please do send us a photo with your submission. You can do this using our online recording form or via the app (iPhone/Android).
EUROPEAN ELASMOBRANCH ASSOCIATION (EEA) A non-profit umbrella organisation of European organisations. All dedicated to the study and conservation of sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras. The association coordinates regional and international activities of its member organisations. Advancing research, sustainable management, conservation and education of sharks throughout Europe. Expand ► Visit the EEA website
Great Lanternshark ID Guide Expand ► Great Lanternshark ID Guide (pdf) ► Great Lanternshark Pocket Guide (pdf)
Greenland Shark ID Guide Expand ► Greenland Shark ID Guide (pdf) ► Greenland Shark Pocket Guide (pdf)
Iceland Catshark ID Guide Expand ► Iceland Catshark ID Guide (pdf) ► Iceland Catshark Pocket Guide (pdf)
Knifetooth Dogfish ID Guide Expand ► Knifetooth Dogfish ID Guide (pdf) ► Knifetooth Dogfish Pocket Guide (pdf)