Dolphins, Rottingdean Coastline
A conservation group has reported an increase in dolphin sightings (Image: Theresa Turner)
On Friday (July 17) a pod of dolphins surfaced remarkably close to the shoreline, causing joyful surprise in onlookers.
Barrel Jellyfish, Brighton Beach
Jellyfish off coast of Seaford (Image: Tiger Cox)
A massive barrel jellyfish was spotted on July 13, with local beachgoers capturing footage of the large specimen.
Rising sea temperatures have resulted in earlier and larger plankton blooms, causing a surge in the species to appear on the UK coastline at more unusual times in the year.
Smooth-Hound Shark, Brighton Beach
A walker spotted what he thought was a shark fin protruding from the water (Image: Grant Henderson)
A shark spotting near Madeira Drive (June 24) sparked fear and intrigue.
However, upon closer inspection, the Brighton Seafront Office confirmed that it was a harmless smooth-hound shark or dogfish: small, shy sharks that are completely harmless to humans, putting any initial fear to rest.
Ocean Sunfish, Near Brighton Marina
The ocean sunfish was spotted by Kurt Lander of Yellowfin Charter Fishing (Image: Kurt Lander/Yellowfin Charter Fishing)
On June 19, an ocean sunfish was spotted – seen one mile off of Brighton Marina.
Known for their size and distinctive shape, ocean sunfish, scientifically known as Mola mola, can grow more than ten feet long and weigh over 5,000 pounds.
Readers were entranced, with one person describing the fish as “alien-looking” with its massive features.
Atlantic Puffin, Hove Seafront
The Atlantic puffin after being rescued (Image: Brighton and Hove Wildlife Rescue)
Another rare animal spotting, despite being earlier on in the year (January 11), was the Atlantic Puffin. These brightly orange-beaked creatures are rarely ever seen on the Sussex coast, and stunned onlookers.
It was handled carefully by the Brighton & Hove Wildlife and Rescue Service and then transferred into the care of the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Services.