STAFF at Weymouth Sea Life Park have been given an unexpected boost by the surprise arrival of a baby bull huss shark. 

The birth has coincided with a special fortnight of shark conservation activities taking place at the aquarium. 

The six-inch pup emerged from its mermaid's purse egg case to make it the 11th species displayed at the park. 

Marine experts have been hosting shark-themed talks, quiz trails, children’s stories and other events to highlight the poor shark’s desperate need for more allies.

Fiona Smith, curator, said: "There’s nothing like a new-born baby to help win over more shark supporters, especially among the younger generation whose future attitude to the oceans’ apex predator will be crucial to its survival prospects.”

The egg-case had lain undisturbed in the aquarium's outdoor rockpool attraction for a couple of months, having originally been laid in a behind-the-scenes quarantine facility.

Fiona added: "Its parents have long since been transferred to another Sea Life attraction, so the baby is currently the only bull huss we have."

The baby bull huss shark is one of only two species of native sharks on display at the park, the other being the lesser spotted nursehound. 

Visitors are also able to enjoy close encounters at the park with black-tipped reef, nurse, guitar, bonnet-head, bamboo, epaulette, Port Jackson and horn sharks.

The Shark Weeks, which end today, also urged support for a new campaign by the Cornwall-based Shark Trust for new fishing quotas for sharks.

The Trust’s work also received a handy boost recently, a £10,000 grant from the Sea Life Trust, a new marine conservation charity set up by the Sea Life network.