Humpback whale spotted off Rügen: Concern for its survival in the Baltic Sea!

Humpback whale spotted off Rügen: Concern for its survival in the Baltic Sea!

A very special visitor delighted the Baltic Sea off Rügen - a humpback whale! On July 15, 2025, the stately animal was filmed by holidaymakers near Nonnevitz and the recordings not only upset animal rights activists. The German Oceanographic Museum confirmed that the whale was a male juvenile estimated to be 8 to 10 meters long. Humpback whales are usually found in the North Atlantic, and the sighting in the Baltic Sea is considered a mismigration because the waters there do not provide enough food to sustainably support the animal. Concern for its survival is therefore great, especially after other marine animals were spotted in 2023, including a humpback whale in February off the Baltic Sea coast that was freed from a fishing net.

The recordings impressively show the whale's fluke repeatedly hitting the surface of the water with its tail fin - a behavior that is often observed in male humpback whales. Judith Denkinger, curator of marine mammals at the German Marine Museum in Stralsund, expressed concern about the probable reason for the wandering: underwater noise or disturbances from ship engines could have caused the whale to become disoriented. The sighting is seen by many as impressive, but also alarming, as the chances for the animal to find its way back to the North Sea are uncertain.

Worrying circumstances for the humpback whale

The whale appears to be looking for members of its own species, and the behavior is interpreted as an indication of its critical situation. Currently, according to the video, there is still enough food left for the whale to survive in the Baltic Sea for a certain period of time. But how long this will be the case remains to be seen. On social media, numerous users expressed both joy and concern about the unusual sight. An interplay of curiosity and concern is unmistakable on the platforms.

Recent reports of whale sightings in the Baltic Sea show that this phenomenon has become more common recently. According to NDR, several other humpback whales have been spotted in the region since the beginning of the year, including in May off Ahrenshoop and on Easter Sunday near Hiddensee. Experts emphasize that the sea often serves as a habitat for whales that go astray for a variety of reasons. It is recommended that boaters maintain a distance from the animals to avoid causing additional stress to the whales.

The appeal of the experts

The situation is extremely critical for the humpback whale, as young animals without their association, like this whale, are at great risk. Dr. Denkinger sincerely hopes that the whale will find its way back to the North Sea and possibly encounter a school of herring there, which would increase its chances of survival. Marine biologists advise boat trips to be quiet so as not to put additional strain on the animals and not to block their path.

There is a special appeal for sightings of marine mammals in the Baltic Sea: Reports should be sent to the German Oceanographic Museum so that the experts can plan any support measures. When sightings, a minimum distance should always be maintained in order to give the whales the peace they need and not to disturb their natural behavior.

The enthusiasm and concern for this impressive whale reflects how valuable and vulnerable maritime life is in our region. A small appeal to everyone: keep your eyes open and support the animal rights activists in protecting these majestic sea creatures!

For more information and current sightings, visit the website Baltic Sea newspaper, NDR and Day24.