Help us hunt for egg cases
Have you ever wondered what those strange seaweed-like cases washed up on the beach are?
These are the egg cases of some elasmobranch (shark, skate and ray) species. Also known as "mermaid's purses", these egg cases wash up on South African beaches year round and are particularly common after a winter storm.
Egg cases provide scientists with easily accessible information about the reproductive patterns of elasmobranchs, particularly the whereabouts of critical nursery grounds. Common egg cases seen in South Africa are from a variety of species, including pyjama sharks, eagle rays and spearnose skates.
SASC is compiling a database on elasmobranch egg cases that will ultimately assist us in making conservation recommendations to ensure these animals are protected in the long-term.
So if you find egg cases on your beach, you can help us protect these animals!
Take a picture, measure the length of the egg case, record your location and tell us your findings!
If you would like more information or, to assist us with this exciting initiative, Contact Us.
This diagram shows the morphology of elasmobranch egg cases
(Diagram: Shark Trust Great Egg Case Hunt)
Dried egg cases
Egg cases with embryos
Egg case with embryo
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