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William BirdHumpback whale\u2019s spectacular breach caught on camera off Scottish coast near Ullapool. William Bird<\/p>\nWhale-watchers have been flocking to the north-west of Scotland following an \u201cunheard of\u201d number of spectacular humpback whale sightings.<\/p>\n
Two humpbacks have been repeatedly spotted feasting in the waters near Ullapool in the Highlands in recent weeks, capping off a year which has seen double the number of cetacean sightings in the Minch Sea.<\/p>\n
A local marine expert says he has recorded almost 13,000 whale and dolphin sightings and believes the region\u2019s status as a Marine Protected Area is a key factor.<\/p>\n
Noel Hawkins, from Ullapool Sea Savers, said: \u201cThis summer witnessed common dolphins coming in closer and more regularly to the coast around Ullapool, even in front of the village at times.<\/p>\n
William BirdHumpback whale\u2019s spectacular breach caught on camera off Scottish coast near Ullapool. William Bird<\/p>\n
\u201cFor coming up to two weeks now, we have been witnessing dolphins, porpoise, minke whales and most amazingly humpback whales swimming within two miles of the shore and at times only a few hundred meters from us.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlong with accompanying escorts of dolphins, the humpbacks, two that we know for sure, have been feeding and lunging through sprats and herring, regularly and visible without binoculars on occasion.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocals and visitors alike have had the opportunity to witness these iconic animals, that most would only expect on far-flung destinations elsewhere in the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully this is a reflection of the efforts being made here to protect and look after our seas and environment with which we\u2019ve been gifted.\u201d<\/p>\n
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