LOCAL STUDENT DISCOVERS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED WHITE SKATE EGG CASE

Local student discovers critically endangered white skate egg case. A Marine Institute Explorers Programme Healthy Ocean School project, has turned into a significant scientific milestone following the discovery of a giant “Mermaid’s Purse” on Camp beach in County Kerry. Found by Rocco Stallard, a sixth-class student from Aughacasla National School, the rare egg case capsule measured over 16 cm long, reaching over 30 cm when including its ‘horns’. This discovery provides important evidence that the elusive White Skate – a predator that can grow up to two metres in length – is using Kerry’s coastal bays as a primary nursery ground.

Known as the ‘Ghost of the Sea’ for its pale underside and its disappearance from the world’s ocean, the White Skate has vanished from much of its former range between the British Isles and South Africa. “Now ranked among the most threatened marine species on the planet, records of these skates are very important. Confirmation that they are still breeding in Kerry is really useful information and the discovery of this case reinforces Tralee Bay’s status as a critical stronghold for this protected species’ survival,” said Graham Johnston, shark specialist with the Marine Institute.

Education Meets Reality

The find is a ‘eureka moment’ for Aughacasla National School, which has been immersed in a deep-dive marine education project since September 2025 using the Marine Institute’s Explorers Fintastic Shark resources. Guided by teacher Claire McSweeney and supported by the Explorers Outreach Officer Jane Sharp, the students have transitioned from learners to ‘Marine Guardians’.

“This discovery brings our learning about sharks, skates and rays to life in a way we never imagined,” said Ms. Sharp. “The students have been passionately studying the giants of our deep. To see real-world evidence of such a rare species breeding in our own community waters is incredibly inspiring. It reinforces exactly why we engage with schools: to help us all learn about the importance of protecting the hidden wonders of our Irish coastline.”

A Voice for the Sea

The sixth-class students recently channelled their passion into a documentary aimed at raising local awareness of the vulnerable species inhabiting Tralee Bay. The discovery by the class serves as the ultimate “real-life” finale to their research and advocacy work.

Patricia Orme, Director of Corporate Services at the Marine Institute, praised the collaborative effort:

“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Explorers team in Kerry and the students of Aughacasla National School. The discovery of a White Skate egg case of this magnitude – measuring over 16 cm with a total length exceeding 30 cm – is a remarkable contribution to our understanding of the species.

Through the Explorers Education Programme, which has been running for 20 years, we aim to connect students with their local marine environment. Seeing a sixth-class student provide such vital evidence of a primary nursery ground for a two-metre predator is exceptional.

This find highlights the critical role that citizen science plays in protecting Ireland’s most endangered marine life. By connecting young people with the biodiversity on their doorstep, we are fostering the next generation of ocean guardians.”

A Call to Stewardship

With the White Skate on the brink of extinction, this egg case provides vital data for conservation efforts. Aughacasla National School hopes this discovery will inspire the wider Kerry community to look closer at their shoreline and advocate for the protection of the unique ecosystem in Tralee Bay. Sightings, photos and information on Mermaid’s purses can be recorded at: https://marinedimensions.ie/purse-search-sightings-form/

The Explorers Education Programme, funded by the Marine Institute, delivers marine-themed modules to primary schools across Ireland to build ocean literacy and inspire future scientists.

Image: Marine Institute