Then, take the eggcase home and prepare it for identification by doing a bit of bucket science - follow the steps below:

 

1.	Fill a waterproof container with fresh water – you can use anything from a freezer bag to a bucket.
2.	Submerge the eggcase in the water.  Evict all the air from the eggcase to ensure it sinks - If it floats you’ll only soak one half.
3.	Leave for an hour or two (the longer an eggcase has been out of water, the longer it will need to be soaked to fully rehydrate - some of the large eggcases may need to be soaked for up to 24 hours to return to its original state).
4.	Remove the eggcase from the water.  Now it’s ready to be identified.

To dry the eggcase out, leave it in a well ventilated spot.  As long as the eggcase is empty, it won’t smell.

Identification
 
 Click here for the Shark Trust's eggcase identification key - Use this key to help identify which species of eggcase you found.

 

 

In the first instance, eggcase size is a quick way of discounting the eggcases you have not got.
 

When you have reduced the number of choices, read the key identification points for your remaining species to determine which eggcase(s) you have. Use the individual characteristics for each species listed on the ID pages to make a definitive identification.
 

If you are having difficulties identifying your eggcase then take a look at our identification troubleshooter.
 

When you have identified your eggcase(s) let us know what you have found and even submit pictures of your eggcases or you hunting for them using our online record form.

 

Informing us of what you find is incredibly important to the conservation of skates and rays in UK waters. It enables us to learn a great deal about their life history and provides us with the evidence to propose appropriate conservation measures.

 

For more information on eggcases check out Peter Bor’s eggcase website