Humpback whale makes a splash off Kent coast

Thea Taylor, Managing Director, Sussex Dolphin Project, says: "We are thrilled to receive confirmation of a Humpback Whale sighting off the coast of Kent. This observation contributes to a growing body of evidence documenting Humpback activity across the Eastern English Channel. In Sussex, we have experienced a record sighting season for Humpbacks. Such occurrences underscore the critical importance of collaborative research efforts to enhance our understanding of cetacean movement patterns within the area.

"This is why the Kent Dolphin Project, a partnership between Sussex Dolphin Project and Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants, a member of the Kent Wildlife Trust Group, is so vital. This new project will deepen our insights into the distribution and behaviour of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the region. By improving our knowledge of these marine mammals, we aim to advance conservation strategies and foster stronger connections between coastal communities and their remarkable marine environment."

Known for their acrobatic displays and immense size, reaching up to 18 meters long, humpback whales are found across the world’s oceans, undertaking some of the longest migrations of any mammal. In UK waters, they are typically seen alone or in pairs, identifiable by their distinctive long flippers, which give them their scientific name Megaptera novaeangliae which translated means “Big-winged New Englander.”

The Kent Dolphin Project is encouraging wildlife enthusiasts around the county’s coastline to record marine mammal sightings via their website. These efforts aim to build a detailed understanding of cetacean activity in the region, filling gaps in historical research and contributing to strategies for marine protection.

Dolphins, renowned for their intelligence and playful nature, are a global treasure. While there are 42 species of dolphins worldwide, only a few are regularly seen in UK and Irish waters. Understanding these species and their habitats is critical to ensuring their survival.

Recent discoveries:

• A pod of bottlenose dolphins was spotted in the River Medway in October.
• Data gathered through the project builds on findings from the Kent Wildlife Trust Shoresearch initiative, which highlights the diversity of marine life along the Kent coastline, last year, stalked jellyfish, white hedgehog sea slug and green sea urchins were discovered.

Conservation concerns - National Grid’s Sea Link Project

The excitement of the humpback whale sighting has also drawn attention to environmental concerns about the proposed National Grid Sea Link project, which plans to install an underwater cable between Kent and Suffolk. The cable’s landfall at Pegwell Bay, near the whale’s location, could disrupt marine ecosystems and has led to the conservation charity campaigning for National Grid to “Rethink Sea Link’ and ‘Save Minster Masrhes’.

Emma Waller, Planning and Policy Officer for Kent Wildlife Trust, says:
“This sighting underscores the need for National Grid to reconsider their plans. Their current approach lacks adequate mitigation for marine mammals. Renewable energy is vital, but it must not come at the expense of wildlife when alternative options are available.”

Join the Effort

The Kent Dolphin Project is calling for people to record sightings of dolphins, whales and other marine mammals as local people can play a key role in safeguarding the region’s unique marine habitats for future generations.

For more information on how to get involved with the Kent Dolphin Project, please contact [email protected] alternatively, visit the Kent Dolphin Project website to find out more and submit sightings.