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Scuba News
September 4, 2023 by HAL
The White Skate (Rostroraja alba) is a Critically Endangered species found in the Northeast Atlantic, ranging from the British Isles to South Africa. Though its eggcase can reach up to 28 cm in length, this species is rarely seen in British waters today. Most verified sightings of its eggcases are from southwest Ireland and South […]
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The Blue Skate, formerly known as the Common Skate, is found in the Northeast Atlantic, ranging from Iceland to the southern British Isles. Its eggcases, up to 21 cm long, are often confused with those of the larger Flapper Skate. Scuba divers may encounter these eggcases in the water or on beaches in areas like […]
The Flapper Skate, also known as Dipturus intermedius, is a species found mainly in the Northeast Atlantic. Once widespread, its population has significantly declined, making it critically endangered in many areas. Eggcases from this species have mostly been found in Orkney, indicating their importance for conservation efforts. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
The Starry Skate, or Amblyraja radiata, is a ray found in the East Atlantic, ranging from Iceland and Norway to the southern North Sea. It lays unique square-shaped eggcases that can be found in the North Sea and other coastal regions. These eggcases can help divers and ocean enthusiasts recognize and contribute to conservation efforts […]
The Undulate Ray is a species found in the Northeast Atlantic, from the British Isles to Senegal. It is identifiable by its unique eggcase, which can be similar in shape to that of the Spotted Ray but tends to be larger. Participation in activities like the Great Eggcase Hunt helps in the conservation of rays […]
The Spotted Ray (Raja montagui) is found in the Northeast Atlantic, from Norway to Morocco, including the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. Its eggcase can be up to 12 cm long and is similar to the Undulate Ray’s eggcase, though generally smaller and more common around the British coast. Many eggcases have been recorded along this […]
The Cuckoo Ray, found in the Northwest Atlantic, ranges from Norway to Morocco, including the North Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Its eggcase is distinctive, with a small rounded capsule and long upper horns, making it different from similar species. Underwater submissions of eggcase records are mostly from scientific surveys in deeper waters. Read the full […]
The Blonde Ray, or Raja brachyura, can be found in the Northeast Atlantic, from Norway to Morocco and in parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Its eggcases are larger and have unique upper horns that distinguish them from similar species like the Thornback Ray. Verified sightings of these eggcases mainly come from southwest England and surrounding […]
The Small-eyed Ray, or Raja microocellata, can be found in the Northeast Atlantic, especially from the British Isles to Morocco, mainly in the Bristol and English Channels. Its distinct eggcases, measuring about 15 cm in length, are often found washed up on beaches and reported during the Great Eggcase Hunt, helping to track their population. […]
The Thornback Ray, also known as Raja clavata, is a fascinating fish found in the Eastern Atlantic, from Iceland to South Africa. Divers can spot its distinct eggcases along the British coastline, measuring up to 12 cm. Its eggcases can be confused with those of other rays, making them an interesting find for scuba divers […]
The Blackmouth Catshark (Galeus melastomus) is a species found in deeper waters of the Eastern Atlantic, from Norway to Senegal, including the Mediterranean. They have eggcases that are about 5 centimeters long and are similar in shape to those of the Smallspotted Catshark. Since this species lives in deep waters, their eggcases are rarely found […]
The Nursehound Catshark is a type of shark found in shallow waters of the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Divers often see this species close to rocky shores. Its eggcases are commonly found along the southwestern coast of England and Wales, highlighting its presence in these areas. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Basking Sharks are now one of the most protected shark species in UK and EU waters, after being heavily fished from 1946 to 1995. They are listed as Endangered and are protected by various laws that make it illegal to harm them. International efforts are crucial for their conservation due to their high risk of […]
The Smallspotted Catshark is a common species found in the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. It is often seen by divers and snorkellers since it prefers coastal waters. Its eggcases are frequently washed ashore, making them easy to find along the British coastline. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
The Angling Project aims to protect diverse shark species in UK and Irish waters, where over a quarter of them are threatened. Anglers are encouraged to follow best practices for catch and release, share catch records to help monitor populations, and consider the conservation status of species when fishing. This awareness can greatly aid in […]
Identifying eggcases from sharks and rays can be tricky, especially if they are damaged. Factors like broken horns, color variations, and the presence of attachments can make identification difficult. If you’re unsure, sending a photo of the eggcase can help experts verify your findings. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
The Great Eggcase Hunt encourages people of all ages to find and document shark and ray eggcases that wash up on beaches. This project supports shark and ray conservation efforts, making it a fun and educational activity for participants. By participating, individuals can help protect these marine species and collect valuable data. Read the full […]
Fisheries Advisories provide important information about the legal status of sharks, skates, and rays in UK and EU waters. These guides help the commercial fishing industry and enforcement agencies understand regulations and best practices for handling these species. The 2024 advisories are designed for easy viewing on mobile devices and focus on regional legislation. Read […]
The European Elasmobranch Association (EEA) focuses on the welfare and protection of sharks and rays in Europe. They collaborate with groups like the Shark League and the Global Sharks & Rays Initiative to improve conservation efforts. Their work is essential for maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems and ensuring these species do not become extinct. Read the […]
Sharks in the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas are at serious risk due to overfishing, which is harmful to entire ecosystems. Efforts are being made to set catch limits, protect endangered species, and enforce bans on shark finning through international bodies that can enforce regulations across multiple countries. Protecting these sharks is crucial for maintaining the […]
The Global Sharks & Rays Initiative (GSRI) is a conservation plan launched in 2016 to improve the status of sharks and rays by 2025. This initiative involves various organizations and aims to protect endangered species, promote sustainable fisheries, ensure responsible trade, and reduce demand for unsustainable shark products. The effort focuses on creating a holistic […]
The Shark Trust collaborates with students from Plymouth University’s Marine Conservation Masters program to conduct important research projects. These projects cover various topics related to sharks, including data analysis and conservation efforts. The collaboration helps students gain hands-on experience while contributing to the understanding and protection of sharks. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Your clothing choices can significantly affect the health of our oceans. Fast fashion contributes to pollution and waste, with microplastics leaking into the water and landfills harming marine life. Adopting sustainable fashion practices can help protect marine wildlife and promote a healthier ocean environment. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
You can help protect sharks in various ways. Donating money, participating in citizen science projects, or raising awareness through campaigns are all effective options. Joining the Shark Trust as a member also supports their efforts for a better future for these important ocean creatures. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
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