Paul Cox
Managing Director
When I first started SCUBA diving 25 years ago, I could never have imagined that I’d end up being so closely involved in shark and ray conservation. I’m now very proud to be the Managing Director of the Shark Trust, as I have been for the past 4 years. I’m obviously involved in all aspects of the Trust’s work. But in particular I lead on the fundraising and partnership work which keeps us moving forward and growing in influence. I’m a marine biologist by training. But I’ve got a background in conservation communication and education so I’m fascinated by how we communicate as well as what we communicate.
If I had to pick a favourite shark I think I’d go for the Blue. They’re just great looking sharks with a fascinating life history. But then you could say that about most sharks!
Glenys Heafield
Company Secretary/Head of Finance & Administration
As the Head of Finance, I’m responsible for keeping the Trust on the straight and narrow by managing all the charities accounts and associated budgets. If you purchase anything from the Trust you’ll have had correspondence with me at some point. I’m also the Company Secretary and this entails ensuring the Charity is always legally complaint and up to date with legislative paperwork for both the Charities Commission and Companies House.
I joined the Trust in March 2000 when the office had just moved from Newbury to Plymouth, there were only 2 staff back then. It’s been wonderful, over 19 years service, to witness the Trust moving from strength to strength and to play a part in the incredible world of shark conservation.
My favourite shark is the...Tasseled Wobbegong
Ali Hood
Director of Conservation
Working as the Trust’s Director of Conservation constantly inspires and challenges me, and has kept me motivated in my role since I started with the Trust in 2002! I work to secure management and protection for vulnerable species; to develop sustainable fisheries; to hold governments and industry to account for their commitments, and to call them out when they're falling short or praise them for success! And to endeavour to inspire the public, researchers, documentary makers, and the media to step away from the tired rhetoric of sharks as species to fear. Instead to grasp the consequences of biodiversity loss, and the fundamental role played by elasmobranchs in our ocean’s health. I also get to work with a phenomenal team of people, both within the Trust, and in our global network of collaborators. What’s not to love?!
…but don’t ask which shark I like best, there’s too many to choose from!
Cat Gordon
Senior Conservation Officer
I’ve been passionate about nature for as long as I can remember. At the age of 14, I began SCUBA diving and from then on, I also became fascinated with the ocean and everything within – I later trained to become a PADI Divemaster. I studied BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology followed by MSc Conservation Biology, and during this time discovered the Shark Trust. I went on to join the conservation team in 2010. I’m Project Officer for the Great Eggcase Hunt and have enjoyed watching the number of submissions grow over the years and seeing people get excited about finding their first mermaids purse. As well as this, I work on threatened species, such as sawfishes and angel sharks, and get involved with campaign activities.
My favourite shark is….difficult to answer! I’m fascinated by Goblin Sharks as they are just so bizarre. I love hammerheads as I’ve had some great diving experiences with them in the Red Sea. Blue Sharks are really interactive in the water (and a great flagship British species!), and I have a soft spot for underappreciated species - especially the flat ones!
Rebecca Gillham
Conservation Officer
I developed an interest in wildlife and a fascination with the ocean from an early age after growing up by the coast and many holidays spent in the sea with my mask and snorkel. This led me to carry out an MSc in Biological Diversity and seek out experience in the marine science and conservation sectors.
Joining the Shark Trust in November of 2017 was an amazing opportunity to learn more about the diverse world of sharks, skates and rays. As Conservation Officer, I’m involved with various projects including citizen science projects like the Great Eggcase Hunt, advocacy campaigns, fishing advisories and ID guides, as well as outreach events.
My favourite shark is the...Thresher Shark.
Heather Carstens
Fundraising & Engagement Officer
I was thrilled to join the Shark Trust team in September 2018, I’ve always loved the oceans and I’m particularly interested in sharks. My role is developing and expanding the fundraising side to the charity, raising funds to support the work of the Trust. My role allows me to support and engage with a huge range of fundraisers, from first time runners to cyclists and shark enthusiasts. I’m enjoying working with all walks of life who want to challenge themselves and support shark conservation.
Since completing my degree in Wildlife Conservation in 2008 I’ve worked in mixed roles in environmental education and policy. Now I’m enjoying this new role, expanding my skills and learning more about the fascinating world of sharks, skates and rays!
My favourite shark is the…Blacktip Reef Shark. Mainly because that was my first encounter with a shark when I started diving, I was in awe of how peaceful and calm they were, resting on the seabed.
Charles Hood (Chairman)
Charles runs specialist Basking Shark and Blue Shark tours out of Penzance. Encountering sharks in the wild is a key means of gaining the public’s support for their survival and dispelling the myth that sharks are simply man-eaters. Charles’ close interaction with British sharks has also grabbed media attention, featuring on The One Show and the BBC’s Britain’s Secret Seas. A keen underwater photographer, Charles’ images have been used in many worldwide publications to promote marine conservation, including Shark Trust campaigns.
SMALLSPOTTED CATSHARK (Scyliorhinus canicula)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~5cm (ranges from 3–8cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels): ~2cm (ranges from 1.5–3cm)
Range: Known throughout the Northeast Atlantic from Norway to West coast of Africa, and in the Mediterranean Sea. This is one of the most abundant shark species in British waters and as it's a coastal species, it's often encountered by divers and snorkellers.
Similar Eggcase: Similar shape to the Nursehound eggcase, but is much smaller in size.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: Empty eggcases are frequently washed ashore and have been reported from around the majority of the British coastline. They're often found in very large numbers.
Sarah Fowler OBE (Founding Trustee)
Sarah has worked in marine ecology, conservation and management for over 25 years. She was Deputy Head of the former Nature Conservancy Council’s Marine Science Branch, the Nature Bureaus Director of Marine and Coastal Services and Co-founder of the European Elasmobranch Association. She was co-chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group and appointed a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation in 2005. She was awarded the OBE for services to marine conservation in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Roger Covey
Senior specialist marine officer for Natural England - Roger has worked in marine conservation nationally and regionally for more than 20 years, ranging from marine survey work throughout the UK during the early 1990s, to conservation roles in Cornwall & Isles of Scilly. He is recognised nationally as one of the leading figures in marine conservation and has chaired numerous meetings and events on marine issues.
Richard Peirce
Writer, broadcaster and author Richard Peirce has been a wildlife activist for over 30 years and sharks have been his main focus. Founder of the Shark Conservation Society and a long time Shark Trust member, past chairman for 11 years and current trustee his current books ‘The Poacher’s Moon’, ‘Giant Steps’, ‘Nicole’ and ‘Cuddle Me, Kill Me’ all carry powerful awareness and conservation messages.
Dan Fairweather
After graduating from Nottingham University with a Zoology degree, Dan spent time working within the biotechnology industry before retraining as a fish biologist. Dan joined the insurance sector in 2000 as a specialist aquaculture claims broker before moving into account handling and placement. In 2012 Dan was recruited by Willis Towers Watson to head up the Aquaculture Division where he handles their global aquaculture account and the development of risk services. Latterly he has been working with colleagues to develop insurance products to protect against environmental damage of marine ecosystems.
Jayne Ensell-Bowen
Jayne spent many years as an HR manager in the communications, banking, and education sectors. Since moving to the West Country she has also become a Registered Homeopath and practices in Devon and Cornwall. As a parent she has a deep concern for the future of our world, our seas, and our wildlife. She hopes to use her skills and knowledge to support the Trust in their shark conservation work.
NURSEHOUND CATSHARK (Scyliorhinus stellaris)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~10cm (ranges from 9–13cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels): ~3.5cm (ranges from 3-4cm)
Range: In the Northeast Atlantic this species is present from southern Scandinavia and Shetland south to Senegal. It's also found in the Mediterranean. The Nursehound (or Bull Huss) is usually found in shallow waters close to rocky shores and is often seen by divers.
Similar Eggcase: Similar shape to the Smallspotted Catshark eggcase, but is much larger in size.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: Verified eggcases are predominantly from the southwest of England and around the coast of Wales. In particular, large numbers are reported from western and northern Wales including from Aberystwyth and the Llŷn Peninsula. Underwater eggcases are often noted developing in large numbers close to shore.
BLACKMOUTH CATSHARK (Galeus melastomus)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~5cm (ranges from 3–7cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels): ~2cm
Range: This deeper water species is present in the Eastern Atlantic from Norway to Senegal, including the Mediterranean.
Similar Eggcase: Similar size and shape to the Smallspotted Catshark, but it has small upper horns instead of curled tendrils.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: As they're a deeper water species, the eggcases are rarely washed ashore and recorded.
THORNBACK RAY (Raja clavata)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~12cm (ranges from 10–15cm)
Eggcase Length (without horns): ~6.5cm (ranges from 5-8cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels):~4cm (ranges from 3–7cm)
Range: The Thornback Ray has a widespread distribution across the Eastern Atlantic from Iceland to South Africa, including the North Sea, western Baltic Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea.
Similar Eggcase: The larger Blonde Ray eggcase. The smaller and textured Starry Skate. And the Small-eyed Ray which has narrower upper horns and shorter lower horns.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: Thornback Ray eggcases are commonly reported and have been submitted from the majority of the British coastline.
SMALL-EYED RAY (Raja microocellata)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~15cm (ranges from 10–20cm)
Eggcase Length (without horns): ~8cm (ranges from 7-9.5cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels):~3.5cm (ranges from 3–6cm)
Range: In the waters of the Northeast Atlantic, the range of the Small-eyed Ray extends from the British Isles down to Morocco. Around the British Isles, it's most common in the Bristol and English Channels and is thought to be largely absent from the North Sea.
Similar Eggcase: The upper and lower horns are distinctive, but the overall shape is similar to the Thornback Ray eggcase.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: The majority of Small-eyed Ray eggcases are reported to the Great Eggcase Hunt from the southwest coasts of England and Wales (covering the English and Bristol Channels) as well as Jersey.
BLONDE RAY (Raja brachyura)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~21cm (ranges from 12–25cm)
Eggcase Length (without horns): ~10cm (ranges from 8-13cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels):~6.5cm (ranges from 3–8.5cm)
Range: In the Northeast Atlantic you can find the Blonde Ray from Norway down to Morocco, and in the western Mediterranean Sea. It has a patchy distribution in the North Sea.
Similar Eggcase: Thornback Ray eggcases are a similar shape. But Blonde Ray eggcases are much larger with longer upper horns.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: Verified records are mainly from southwest England, south Wales, and the Channel Islands, with scattered finds reported from the rest of the British coastline.
CUCKOO RAY (Leucoraja naevus)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~17cm (ranges from 15–20cm)
Eggcase Length (without horns): ~5cm (ranges from 3-6.5cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels):~3cm (ranges from 2.5–3.5cm)
Range: The range of the Cuckoo Ray in the Northwest Atlantic extends from Norway down to Morocco, including the North Sea, Irish Sea, English Channel, and Celtic Sea. Present in the Mediterranean Sea.
Similar Eggcase: You can identify a Cuckoo Ray eggcase by its small rounded capsule, lack of keels, and long upper horns. But if these horns are broken then it could be mistaken for the Spotted Ray.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: The majority of verified records have been submitted from the south and west coasts of England and Wales, with sporadic reports from around the rest of the British Isles. Underwater submissions are mainly from scientific surveys in deeper water.
SPOTTED RAY (Raja montagui)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~12cm (ranges from 10–15cm)
Eggcase Length (without horns): ~5.5cm (ranges from 5-7.5cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels):~3.5cm (ranges from 3–3.5cm)
Range: The Spotted Ray is widely distributed in the Northeast Atlantic from the Shetland Isles and Norway (including the western Baltic Sea and North Sea) to Morocco. Present in the Mediterranean Sea and around the Canary Islands.
Similar Eggcase: The Undulate Ray eggcase is a similar shape. But the Spotted Ray is smaller, usually has fewer attachment fibres, and is more widespread around the British coastline.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: Eggcases have been submitted from around most of the British coastline.
UNDULATE RAY (Raja undulata)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~17cm (ranges from 15–19cm)
Eggcase Length (without horns): ~8cm (ranges from 7-9cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels):~3.5cm (ranges from 3–4cm)
Range: Undulate Rays have a patchy distribution in the Northeast Atlantic although can be locally abundant in some areas. They're present from the southwest of the British Isles down to Senegal, including the Canary Islands and the western Mediterranean Sea. The south coast of the British Isles represents the most northerly part of their range.
Similar Eggcase: The Spotted Ray eggcase is a similar shape but is smaller and can lack the attachment fibres often seen on the margins of Undulate Rays.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: The majority of verified records submitted are from the south coast (particularly eastern English Channel), and around the Channel Islands.
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STARRY SKATE (Amblyraja radiata)
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~10cm (ranges from 7–13cm)
Eggcase Length (without horns): ~3.5cm (ranges from 3-4cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels):~3cm (ranges from 2.5–3.5cm)
Range: In the East Atlantic, the Starry Skate is present from Iceland and Norway down to the southern North Sea.
Similar Eggcase: The square shape is similar to the Thornback Ray. But this small eggcase has a very distinctive texture.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: All verified eggcase records are from the North Sea, with the exception of one unusually large specimen found in Borth (Wales) which is outside of the expected range. Verified records are from Shetland down to Suffolk, including scientific surveys of underwater eggcases, and some submissions from the coast of Denmark.
FLAPPER SKATE (Dipturus intermedius)
Previously known as the Common Skate, which is now known to have masked 2 species - Flapper Skate and Blue Skate.
Size:
Maximum Eggcase Length: ~23cm (ranges from 14–28cm)
Eggcase Length (without horns): ~20cm (ranges from 13-24cm)
Maximum Eggcase Width (with keels):~12cm (ranges from 10-14cm)
Range: Europe’s largest skate was once widespread across large parts of the Northeast Atlantic; but it's now locally extinct from much of its former range. It's still present from Iceland, Norway, and the northern North Sea around to the western British Isles and Celtic Sea.
Similar Eggcase: The smaller Blue Skate eggcase.
Great Eggcase Hunt Records: The majority of Flapper Skate eggcases submitted have been from Orkney, indicating important grounds for this Critically Endangered species. Other confirmed reports include around Scotland (particularly the west coast) and surrounding isles, and the west coast of Ireland.
