Hunt for shark eggs this easter

This Easter you could help marine biologists map the distribution of sharks and skates by going on a beach 'egg hunt'

A White Skate eggcase (Rostroraja alba — Critically Endangered) This one is more than 15cm long. Picture: Louise Overy

It's not a belated April Fool's joke — some shark and skate species do indeed lay eggs.

Ireland has an amazing diversity of marine species including the group called Elasmobranchs which are more commonly known as sharks, skates and rays. Many of these give birth to live young but others lay eggs.