'One of the greatest recovery stories' as humpback whales spotted in Cornwall
Their return in the New Year, and over the past few years, has been described as one of the 'greatest recovery stories of all time'
Last updated 19th Jan 2025
The message from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust is - if you spot a whale of the coast here in the Duchy, make you sure you let them know.
It comes amid a 'flurry' of sightings off the Cornish coast
Their return in the New Year, and over the past few years, has been described as one of the 'greatest recovery stories of all time'.
Bex Allen, one of the team's Marine Conservation Officers, said: "It looks like humpback season is back with us - as they're once again gracing us with their presence.
"Their recovery is one of the greatest of all time, as populations of humpback whales were reduced to five per cent of their previous extent by whaling in the early part of the last century.
"This was banned in the 1960s, and since then, populations have gradually increased - and maybe they're visiting their previous haunts.
"What is unusual though is they're here at a time of year that's a bit unusual - as they usually travel south in the winter.
"Perhaps these might be younger animals that couldn't feed enough in the summer, but they means they might be a little vulnerable.
"So if you're watching them - please respect them and give them space."