Eggcase Hunting

BE SAFE ON THE BEACH:

Check tide times
Tell someone where you’re going
If possible use a stick to rummage in seaweed to avoid any nasty surprises
Take care near the base of cliffs

REMEMBER:

Respect wildlife and habitats by following the Seashore Code and don’t take live animals home with you.
As you’re looking in the strandline anyway, why not do a spot of beach cleaning? It goes hand in hand with eggcase hunting!

EGGCASE HUNTING TIPS:

You can usually find eggcases amongst the seaweed that makes up the strandline. They blend in really well which means they can be difficult to spot at first, so keep your eyes peeled.
When eggcases dry out they're very light and can get blown to the back of the beach. They also get trapped in grasses on sand dunes. So these are good locations to search.
Eggcases will wash up throughout the year. They may have freshly hatched, or been on the seabed for some time before being dislodged.
After stormy weather has passed is prime eggcase hunting time. Lots of seaweed and debris will have been washed up on the beach - this is great to search in.
Check to make sure it’s definitely an empty eggcase and nothing is inside.
If a live embryo is inside, pop the eggcase back in the sea and try to weigh it down so it doesn’t wash ashore again.
Empty eggcases have no secondary purpose as some shells do for hermit crabs. They also don't break down to form sand.

EGGCASE HUNTING METHODS

Here are a few methods you can use to conduct your hunt…

THE CHANCE FIND - you may be out walking your dog on your local beach, or on holiday with your family, when you discover an eggcase. What a stroke of luck! Take a photo and record your find.
SIMPLE SCIENCE - set out on a timed walk, e.g. walk along the strandline for 20 minutes and see how many eggcases you can find in that time.
BEACH SURVEY - walk the entire length of the beach, or between two landmarks if it’s a long beach! Look at the upper strandline when walking in one direction then return along the lower strandline, recording as you go.

Once you’ve found an eggcase, it’s time to IDENTIFY and then RECORD your find.

Identify Your Eggcase

Record Your Eggcase

Great Eggcase Hunt Appeal

Our flagship citizen science project continues to expand as we welcome new recorders from around the world. Donate today and help the Great Eggcase Hunt go from strength to strength.

Latest

Paul&Shark - New Corporate Patron

Paul&Shark become the latest company to sign up as Corporate Patrons of the Trust - supporting and promoting our work across the globe.
Oyster Diving Pledge Support for Shark Trust

We welcome our latest Corporate Patrons, Oyster Diving.
Action Plan for Mediterranean angel sharks

The result of a major collaborative effort, the Mediterranean Angel Sharks: Regional Action Plan sets out a roadmap for restoring the three species of angel shark in the Mediterranean. It's a call to action for stakeholders to work together to address the challenges faced by these Critically Endangered species.
Shark Trust Fundraiser Sponsored Swim

"I love sharks and people dont really think the best of them. There's not many left and people can be horrible to them. I want to raise to money to stop extinction and so people know that they're not what people think they are. When i grow up i want to be a shark vet and look after them" Noah age 8

18 Shark & Ray Species Granted New Global Trade Controls at Wildlife Conference

Makos, Wedgefishes, and Giant Guitarfishes listed under CITES with support from more than 100 countries.
Great Eggcase Hunt

Find and record empty shark eggcases that have washed up on the beach. Eggcase hunting is great fun for all ages! Click here to find everything you need to get started.
Shark Taxonomy

Taxonomy is a field of science that involves classifying and naming species. It's integral to wildlife conservation, providing the bedrock for our understanding of sharks.
Male & Female Sharks

How do you tell the difference between a male and female shark? Click here to find out about physical and behavioural differences, as well as shark courtship...
Tonic Immobility

Tonic immobility is a reflex that causes a temporary state of inactivity in an animal. Similar to hypnosis. It occurs in a variety of different species, including many sharks and rays...
Shark boy helps shark trust

My name is Zachary and I'm 9 years old. I Love sharks and really want to be able to help save the sharks from becoming extinct. I recently snorkelled with baby sharks and got to look at real eggcases (some with live babies inside). Next year I'd like to scuba dive with sharks and see how I can help them.
Landings of Endangered Rays in Tunisia Denounced

Conservation groups are calling for answers and action in relation to the landing of Endangered Giant Devil Rays in Kelibia, Tunisia, in contravention of international agreements to protect the species.
Shark Anatomy

Sharks have a range of adaptations that make them perfectly suited to their environment. It's no wonder they've gained a reputation for being some of the most impressive and formidable predators on the planet!
About Us

Our mission is to safeguard the future of sharks through positive change. We achieve this through science, education, influence and action.
Shark Focus Magazine – Issue 63 – Out Soon!

The winter issue of our Member's Magazine is out soon and this time we’re tackling one of the biggest questions in shark conservation…