Exciting marine animal sightings in Sussex

Ella Garrud

Living Seas Officer

We’ve recently had a few exciting sightings of marine animals in Sussex. Firstly there was a Northern Bottlenose Whale that stranded in Rustington. Sadly the animal died following valiant rescue attempts from the Coastguard Rescue Team and volunteers from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). It is currently unknown why this individual stranded and died, but investigations are underway by the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP). Northern Bottlenose Whales are the one of the deepest diving marine mammal species in the world – they can reach depths of over 1400m and can stay under for up to two hours! They mainly feed on deep water squid. Although it’s sad that this individual died, it’s exciting to think these animals are swimming off our shores.

If you ever come across a stranded marine mammal, do not approach closely or touch the animal. Report it to British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546 (office hours) or 07787 433412 (out of hours), or the RSPCA on 0300 1234999. Do not try to move the animal yourself. If the animal is dead, it should be reported to Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333

At the end of August, two fishermen caught (and released!) a young Porbeagle shark 10 miles from Brighton Marina. This is a wide-ranging species, so although it is a relatively rare sighting in Sussex, they are known to travel through the English Channel. They have strong, muscular bodies that allow them to swim long distances in search of prey. Though they may look fearsome, it is important to note that shark bites to humans are extremely rare, especially in the ocean around the UK. Sharks are particularly vulnerable to human disturbances such as fishing because they tend to live long lives, mature late and produce relatively few young. It is therefore vital to remember that sharks need to be protected rather than feared.

There have also been plenty of dolphin, porpoise and seal sightings up and down the Sussex coast this summer, so make sure to always keep your eyes peeled when you’re on the coast as you never know what you might see.