More than 500 shark eggs have been found on a beach in Merseyside.
They were discovered after families explored Ainsdale beach, in Southport, in search of egg cases at Easter.
The event was organised by Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Living Seas project and a total of 534 eggs were recovered.
Among the findings were the egg cases of thornback rays, small spotted catsharks, spotted rays, the egg of a cuckoo ray and a nursehound egg case - which is a rare find along this stretch of coast.
Shark eggs are more commonly known as “mermaid’s purses” and end up scattered all along the coast.
Sally Tapp, Marine Community Engagement Officer for North Merseyside said: “It is always a joy to see the look on children’s faces when they discover that these mysterious mermaid’s purses are actually the eggs laid by sharks, skates and rays.
“Getting children out on the shore to experience our amazing marine wildlife first-hand will ensure that these young, enthusiastic egg case hunters want to protect our valuable marine environment in the future.”
There are over 30 species of British shark and over 16 species of skate and ray which have regularly been recorded in British waters.
Sadly, however, in recent years several of our species have dramatically declined, which organisers say makes egg hunt events like this so important.
The findings are set to make significant contributions to shark protection and conservation in the Irish Sea as each egg will be identified, counted and photographed with records being sent to the Shark Trust.
The eggs will also give valuable insights into potential nesting grounds for sharks around the coastline.
For more information about Lancashire Wildlife Trust, or how you can get involved, visit www.irishsea.org .
