Our friends at Clean Coasts want everyone to hit the beach in search of a very different type of Easter egg during the holidays.
Here, we are going to share top tips on finding shark and skate egg casings washed up on the shoreline and tell you why keeping track of them is so important.
They are asking families, groups of friends, and local Clean Coasts Groups to be citizen scientists and help them to track native skates and rays. It will help scientists identify nurseries in Irish waters.
Shark and skate eggs can be found along the coast at low tide along the wrack line, where seaweed and other debris is deposited at high tide. These leathery looking eggs, which are also referred to as 'Mermaid Purses' are often found attached to seaweed washed ashore. So, why not get together and give it a go?
Here are 7 top tips for a great egg case hunt:
1. Choose a beach that is well known for shark and skate egg cases. If you're not sure check on Biodiversity Ireland's maps.
2. It is best to search at low tide and search along the wrack line - this is where seaweed and other debris is deposited at high tide.
3. It is a great idea to bring a field guide to help you identify the different species. The Ray Project has identification resources here that can be printed or viewed on a mobile device - The Ray Project Resources
4. A measuring tape or ruler is handy to have for species identification as some egg cases may look similar but are different sizes.
5. Hold the cases up to the light to see if any eggs are still inside. Photograph your findings but leave the egg cases behind you as it is best practice not to remove them from the beach.
6. Submit your findings to The Ray Project or to Explore Your Shore. In addition to submitting your records, you can share your beach clean and egg case findings with Clean Coasts by using the hashtags #2MinuteBeachClean or #CleanCoasts and tagging @CleanCoasts on our social media accounts.
7. As always when visiting the beach, ensure that you follow any signage regarding access to the dunes and nesting. Many areas are currently carrying out sand dune conservation efforts and birds are also starting to nest at this time of year.
And, while you are on the hunt for eggs, take a few minutes to do a #2MinuteBeachClean.
