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Volunteers sought to identify sharks in Wales
The Welsh coast is home to the basking shark, one of the largest in the world.
Citizen scientists to examine underwater footage.

Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities (SIARC) is recruiting citizen scientists to identify underwater animals around the Welsh coast from the comfort of their own home, BBC News reports.

Using footage captured on underwater cameras, volunteers will identify and log sharks, skates and rays. Captured throughout summer 2022, the footage requires logging in order for scientists to gain a clearer picture of the species diversity.

Critically endangered and protected species were filmed in a conservation area off the Llyn Peninsula, and the footage is now available on the Instant Wild website for anyone to access.

Joanna Barker from the Zoological Society of London explained to BBC News: “We'll have a scientist reviewing all the footage, but the citizen scientists will be the validator.

“We'll be able to compare both the scientist and citizen scientist scores and data and it'll just really improve the scientific data that we get out of this project.”

Matt Thompson, a volunteer for the project, added: “I'd really like to see an angel shark - that's what the project's all about, they're very rare. 

“I'll be very surprised if we do actually see any and I'd be really excited to see a basking shark.

“But there's plenty of other things to keep you interested. Any shark, skate or ray that you see on these cameras is going to be really interesting."

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.