Humpback whales make a splash in UK waters

Within the first few days of the year, a humpback whale was spotted breaching along the Sussex coastline, all the way from Hastings to Eastbourne. Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse were in for a rare treat, as sightings along the Eastern English Channel are uncommon. The South West of England tends to see more frequent visits, particularly during the winter months, with recent sightings around Newquay and the Isles of Scilly.

Breaching is a truly spectacular sight to behold, when a whale leaps belly-up into the air, creating a thunderous splash as it crashes back into the water. This impressive display is believed to be a form of communication between whales, allowing them to connect with each other across vast distances. It’s a signature behaviour of humpback whales, which are often referred to as one of the most acrobatic cetacean species.

Humpback sightings around the UK have become increasingly common in recent years. This may be due to the recovery of populations following the end of commercial whaling, which has resulted in the species expanding its range. This increase in numbers may encourage some whales to explore new breeding and feeding areas to avoid competition with larger, more established males.

Another theory is that climate change is forcing humpback whales to travel further in search of suitable feeding waters, as changing conditions affect the availability of prey species such as krill and herring.

The exact reasons for these shifts are still unclear, as their highly mobile, migratory nature, makes it challenging for scientists to gather data on their behaviour and ecology.

What we do know is that these majestic aquatic mammals are found in seas across the world and undertake some of the most extraordinary migrations in the animal kingdom. From polar feeding grounds to tropical breeding areas, humpback whales travel vast distances, showcasing their incredible endurance and adaptability.

In December 2024, a male humpback was reported to have embarked on a record-breaking 8,000-mile migration from Colombia to Zanzibar, travelling through three oceans in the process.

As a migratory species, humpback whales play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. Their epic journeys are crucial for transferring nutrients from nutrient-rich northern feeding grounds to less productive southern waters. This helps enrich ecosystems and supports biodiversity.

Protecting their migratory routes is therefore essential for maintaining the health of our ocean and safeguarding the future of this iconic species.