The Spotted Ray, known as Raja montagui, is found in the Northeast Atlantic, from the Shetland Isles to Morocco. These rays lay eggcases that are around 12 cm long, making them smaller than similar species like the Undulate Ray. The Spotted Ray’s eggcases are commonly reported along the British coastline, making it easier for divers…
The Cuckoo Ray (Leucoraja naevus) is found in the Northwest Atlantic, from Norway to Morocco, including the North Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Its eggcase can be identified by its small rounded shape and long upper horns. Most records come from the southern and western coasts of England and Wales. Underwater sightings are mostly reported during…
The Blonde Ray, scientifically known as Raja brachyura, can be found in the Northeast Atlantic, from Norway to Morocco and in the western Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its unique eggcases, which can reach up to 21 cm in length and have longer upper horns compared to similar species like the Thornback Ray. The…
The Small-eyed Ray, or Raja microocellata, is commonly found in the Northeast Atlantic, especially around the British Isles. It prefers regions like the Bristol and English Channels and is rare in the North Sea. The species is known for its distinctive egg cases, which are typically around 15 cm long with unique upper and lower…
The Thornback Ray, also known as Raja clavata, is a species found throughout the Eastern Atlantic, from Iceland to South Africa. Its eggcases can be identified by their length and unique shape. They typically range from 10 to 15 cm in size. Many divers and beachgoers in the UK participate in the Great Eggcase Hunt,…
The Blackmouth Catshark, known scientifically as Galeus melastomus, is a deep-water species found in the Eastern Atlantic, from Norway to Senegal, including the Mediterranean. This shark is recognizable by its eggcases, which measure about 5 cm and have small upper horns. Unlike other species that may wash ashore, the eggcases of the Blackmouth Catshark are…
The Nursehound Catshark, also known as Scyliorhinus stellaris, is found in shallow waters along rocky shores in the Northeast Atlantic, from southern Scandinavia to Senegal and in the Mediterranean. Its maximum eggcase length is around 10 cm, significantly larger than the Smallspotted Catshark’s eggcase. Divers often spot these catsharks while exploring. Records of its eggcases…
Basking Sharks were once heavily fished in the Northeast Atlantic for their liver oil, meat, and fins, leading to a sharp decline in their numbers. They are now one of the most protected species in UK and EU waters due to their endangered status on the IUCN Red List. Laws make it illegal to harm…
The smallspotted catshark, also known as Scyliorhinus canicula, is commonly found in the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. This species is one of the most abundant sharks in British waters and is often seen by divers and snorkellers because it prefers coastal areas. Their eggcases wash ashore frequently, with many being discovered along the…
The Angling Project focuses on promoting responsible shark angling to help protect over 70 species of sharks, skates, and rays found in UK and Irish waters. Many of these species are threatened, with some being critically endangered. Anglers are encouraged to follow best practice guidelines to minimize harm to these animals when capturing and releasing…