In the past few years there has been an increased awareness both publicly and scientifically to the threats facing elasmobranch species. A number of landmark studies have shown the susceptibility of elasmobranchs to over exploitation and demonstrated the need for more research. Whilst IEG members have continually contributed to elasmobranch work such as the ICES Working groups and the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, there has been a lapse in specific elasmobranch research projects in Ireland. However in the past three years a number of new projects have been established.
The ‘Fish Population Biology’ Group at University College Dublin are currently conducting projects to investigate the life-history and population structure of smooth-hounds (Mustelus spp.) and also to investigate the population structure of the longnose velvet dogfish (Centroselachus crepidater). More information about these projects can be found on the group’s website.
The ‘Population and Evolutionary Genetics’ at Queen’s University Belfast are studying the global population genetic structure of the blue shark. Further details can be found at the group’s website.
The Irish Basking Shark Project is an amalgamation of research projects with the aims of educating the public, in particular marine users, on Basking Sharks. Promoting responsible and sustainable research, exploitation and monitoring of Basking Sharks. Furthering the knowledge base of basking sharks through active research and Promoting partnership development and lobby of relevant organisations and bodies with regard to objectives. Further details can be found on the project website.
Purse Search Ireland is an exciting marine environmental outreach project that is seeking input from the Irish beach going public. It is likely to be of particular interest to anyone with an interest in Ireland’s marine and coastal wildlife as participation involves discovery and exploration on the seashore. The aim of the project is to encourage the Irish public to report their observations of Mermaids’ Purses, which are actually the eggcases of sharks, skates and rays! The Purses are laid by the adult female in a suitable habitat on the seafloor, with the young embryo developing within the eggcase for up to 15 months. The baby shark or ray then hatches out of the Purse and swims away, leaving the discarded eggcase behind it. Scientists are hoping that observations of Mermaids’ Purses on the seashore (and underwater) may provide valuable information on the location of nursery areas for Ireland’s skates and rays, some of which are endangered or rare.
For details on how to get involved, visit www.marinedimensions.ie and follow the links for Jay the Ray. Participants are simply requested to complete an online questionnaire to report their observations, whilst the site also provides details on how to organise a dedicated Purse Search, including information on eggcase identification. Eggcase samples should be sent on to Marine Dimensions, the project organisers, so that the scientists can identify the Purses to species level. A copy of the Seashore Code on the site emphasizes the importance of safety and environmental care on beach excursions. Purse Search Ireland is being funded by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Discover Science and Engineering, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and The Heritage Council.
