'Largest' Fin whale gathering spotted in British waters

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Scientists have described whale sightings off the Cornish coast as one of the "largest gatherings" of the species ever seen in British waters.

 

Researchers spotted 21 fin whales 50 to 70 miles offshore, feeding near the surface over 30 minutes.

 

The fin whale, the second largest animal on the planet, is a globally endangered species.

 

Dr Tom Brereton, research director from Marinelife, said it was an "incredibly rare event".

 

The species were seen in an area known as the Celtic Deep, between north Cornwall and south west Pembrokeshire, on 21 May while researchers were on a three-week cruise in the area surveying numbers of schooling fish such as sardines.

 

The survey is due to finish on Thursday........

BBC........