00:02Marine experts say that orca sightings off the Northumberland coast are definitely up on previous figures,
00:08although they're not yet sure why.
00:10On Wednesday, fishermen reported a pod of up to 10 killer whales offshore.
00:14This is one of several recent visits.
00:16The Northeast Cetacean Project says sightings increased in 2025,
00:21following years of very few confirmed records.
00:24Researchers say the animals may be following food,
00:27such as fish, seals and seabirds around the Farney Islands.
00:31Others suggest that older females could be leading pods back to successful hunting grounds.
00:37Experts say seafarers in the region have never seen them,
00:40but believe they are now returning often.
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