In an extraordinary start to 2025, wildlife enthusiasts in the UK have been treated to rare sightings of humpback whales along the East Coast, from Eastbourne to Hastings. This resurgence of the once-endangered species, which has been spotted breaching and communicating, raises hopes for their population recovery after near extinction in the 1990s.
Experts from the Sussex Dolphin Project have recorded multiple sightings, including whales at Rye, Hastings, and Deal. These majestic mammals, typically seen along the West Coast, are now journeying down from the Arctic, possibly indicating a shift in their migratory patterns due to climate change.
Dr. Carol Sparling from the Sea Mammal Research Unit notes that while sightings of humpbacks have become more common in recent years, their presence in this area is still unusual. The whales' breaching behavior is believed to serve as a form of long-range communication, providing valuable insights into their social interactions.
Despite the promising signs of recovery, concerns linger regarding the impact of climate change and overfishing on their feeding grounds. Continuous monitoring will be essential to understand the implications of these sightings for the humpback whale population.