Orcas, Risso’s dolphins, basking sharks and sunfish are among the spectacular marine species recently spotted around the coast, as The Wildlife Trusts launches National Marine Week to celebrate and protect the wildlife found in UK waters.
From orcas and Risso’s dolphins to basking sharks and sunfish, remarkable sightings around the coast in recent weeks showcase the rich diversity of marine wildlife found in UK waters as millions of people head to the coast this summer.
The sightings come as The Wildlife Trusts launches National Marine Week (25th July – 9th August), which explores the incredible journeys made by marine wildlife that live in or visit UK waters, and highlights the importance of protecting the connected seas, rivers and oceans these species depend on.
Summer is one of the best times to see wildlife around the UK coast, with warmer weather and calmer seas creating more opportunities to spot marine life. As people visit beaches, coastal paths and shorelines, The Wildlife Trusts are encouraging people across the UK to responsibly look for wildlife and to report their sightings. These records help build a better understanding of the lives and movements of marine species, and how they may be changing over time.
Daniele Clifford, marine conservation officer at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “People often think you have to travel abroad to see incredible marine life, but there are amazing animals living in and travelling through UK waters. From mighty whales to soaring seabirds and even limpets on the move, there are Blue Planet moments happening off our coasts every day.
“These animals face many challenges during their journeys – from accidental capture in fishing gear and man-made barriers blocking their paths to rising sea temperatures. Protecting the places they depend on has never been more urgent, and everyone can play their part. By recording the marine wildlife and sharing any sightings with your local Wildlife Trust, you can help efforts to understand, protect and restore habitats and marine life.
“Throughout National Marine Week, Wildlife Trusts across the UK will be hosting events and sharing online resources to help you discover the wildlife beneath the waves and the incredible journeys these animals make. Whether you know your porpoises from your dolphins or not, our experts are on hand to review your photographs and videos, answer your questions and explain more about the remarkable marine life found around our shores.”
The UK’s seas, coasts and connected rivers form part of internationally important migration routes, breeding and feeding grounds for many species, making healthy seas, rivers and coastlines vital for wildlife in the UK and beyond.
European eels migrate between British rivers and the Sargasso Sea, Arctic terns travel thousands of miles from breeding sites in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, including the UK, to the Antarctic each year, while species such as basking sharks, sunfish and bluefin tuna travel to UK waters in summer to feed.
While some marine animals follow long-distance migration routes that have been used for thousands of years, others make shorter but equally important movements within UK seas and along the coast, to feed, breed and raise their young. Even limpets make daily journeys across rocky shores to feed before returning to the same spot.
But these journeys are becoming increasingly challenging. Rising sea temperatures driven by climate change, alongside pollution, habitat loss, unsustainable development and fishing, are placing growing pressure on UK seas. Protecting marine wildlife and the vital journeys these species undertake requires action at every scale – from restoring rivers and safeguarding coastal and marine habitats to securing protections in international waters.
This year, National Marine Week aims to inspire people to better understand the remarkable marine wildlife found in UK waters and the importance of protecting these amazing animals on their journeys. Supported by players of Postcode Lottery, it will feature family-friendly events across the UK, giving people the chance to learn more about Britain’s interconnected coasts and rivers and discover the incredible wildlife they support.
Event highlights include breakfast with bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay, whale and dolphin watching at Durlston, Portland Bill and Lizard Point, SeaFest at St Bees in Cumbria, seashore safaris, rockpool rambles and opportunities to learn about endangered European eels in Newquay. With events taking place across the UK, there’s something for everyone.
To find out more about National Marine Week and discover an event near you, visit: wildlifetrusts.org/national-marine-week
To report a sighting, visit: Marine sightings & strandings | The Wildlife Trusts
