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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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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.