Patrolling the #beach of seashells or #sharkeggs? - http://clapway.com/2015/07/19/volunteers-at-the-beach-collect-75000-shark-egg-cases-233/

Thousands have gathered along beaches in the UK picking souvenirs from the sand as they go, but these helping hands aren’t gathering shells, and they certainly aren’t picking up trash either. More than 75,000 shark egg cases will be gathered along beaches of the region, as a part of an ongoing effort to ensure the preservation of the species of shark that left them behind. Using the information gathered from the locations the shells are found, and the egg cases themselves, experts will be able to develop an in-depth analysis to determine vital information about the shark populations.

What information can be gained from a few thousand leftover shark egg cases?

The thousands of volunteers patrolling the beaches in search of shark egg cases haven’t joined the expedition just because the egg cases are really cool looking. Volunteers are assisting in scientific research to better understand, and improve shark conservation efforts in the world.

Organized by Shark Trust, an organization with a global initiative to save all of the oceans shark populations from extinction at the hands of humans, according to their website the aim is to monitor species of at risk sharks: “In recent decades, several species of shark, skate and ray around the British coast have dramatically declined in numbers. The empty eggcases (or mermaid’s purses) are an easily accessible source of information on the whereabouts of potential nursery grounds and will provide the Trust with a better understanding of species abundance and distribution.”

What kind of shark leaves behind a shark egg case?

Only two of the sixteen sharks known to be swimming off the coast of the UK had lain the sought after shark egg cases: the smallspotted catshark and the Nursehound. The shells are emptied after the young sharks emerge from the casing, and then either wash up on the shore, or are discarded by divers who have collected them while diving in nearby waters. Shark Trust claims, “The Great Eggcase Hunt aims to get as many people as possible hunting for egg cases that have either been washed ashore, or are found by divers and snorkelers underwater.“

The importance of this volunteer effort for the future of the shark species in question

Sharks are one of the more at-risk species in the ocean due to factors mainly including pollution and complications with overfishing of the ocean. Organizations like Shark Trust aim to fix the problem of the disastrous and rapid disappearance of the world’s sharks. Overall, around 75,000 shark egg cases will be collected providing valuable information regarding the wellbeing of these sharks, and to discover possible solutions to correct the damage that has already been caused to the marine predators.

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Volunteers At The Beach Collect 75,000 Shark Egg Cases

In honor of #SharkWeek Knowledge might be able to save our sharks! - http://clapway.com/2015/07/08/finprint-research-program-aims-to-aid-in-shark-conservation-by-counting-the-worlds-sharks-125/

For most, being able to count one shark we see in the ocean–in person–is already too many. Although the average person would much prefer not to come across any sharks in the ocean, Finprint researchers are hoping to do exactly the opposite.

Using the observation and research network known as FinPrint, scientists are going to establish baiting stations with cameras at the world’s major coral reefs in an attempt to approximate the world’s shark and ray population.

FinPrint’s efforts to preserve the world’s shark populations

The oceans sharks and rays are some of the most important species on the planet, and play a key role in the survival of the world’s ocean ecosystems, but this is often overlooked.

Sharks are some of the most deeply misunderstood creatures on the planet, due in part to their terrifying appearance, as well as the way the media has portrayed them through the years. However, sharks kill only around ten people each year, whereas mosquitos kill around 750,000 and humans kill roughly 475,000 people each year.

An alarming number of species of sharks and rays are currently threatened with extinction. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, about one quarter of all shark and ray species will face extinction if preventative measures are not taken.

FinPrint’s goal is to use the information it collects using over 400 cameras during its three year mission, to quantify shark and ray population statistics, as well as areas of concern due to unsafe conditions for the purpose of sustaining shark and ray habitats.

The support behind FinPrint’s massive data gathering agenda

FinPrint shark conservation has garnered the attention and support of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, as well as scientists around the world. These scientists will be able to communicate about information they’ve gathered through Paul Allen’s open access database created by his company Vulcan Inc. This ease of access to information will allow experts across the globe to quickly retrieve data from any site in the world instantaneously. All of the world’s top marine biologists and researchers have the opportunity to join the FinPrint mission, and collaborate in analyzing the incredible amount of data that will be received. Hopefully with a combined effort of eager participants all over the world, we can put a stop to shark extinction.

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FinPrint Research Program Aims to Aid in Shark Conservation by Counting the World"s Sharks