Two species of whales more usually found in Atlantic waters have been spotted off the Welsh coast. Scientists from the Sea Watch Foundation conservation charity have recorded a pair of large humpback whales in the middle of the Celtic Deep between Pembrokeshire and Ireland, and a minke whale close inshore at Llangrannog, Cardigan bay.

Scientific director of Sea Watch, Dr Peter Evans, said: ‘Humpback sightings are always unusual in British waters. In a typical year, no more than 12 of them are recorded.’ It is thought that fishing restrictions – leading to higher stocks of herring and mackerel, important food sources for whales – and the warm weather could explain the sightings.