Diver Films Rare Wreckfish Off Cornwall — "Very Unusual" Sighting Raises Climate Questions

Diver Films Rare Wreckfish Off Cornwall — "Very Unusual" Sighting

A rare deep-sea wreckfish was filmed just a few miles off Lamorna on Cornwall's south coast — the first recorded sighting in about two decades — prompting questions about shifting marine patterns and unusual local wildlife activity.

According to reports, diver and underwater filmmaker Charles Hood encountered the large wreckfish while swimming with blue sharks. Wreckfish are a prehistoric species typically found in deep water; they can live for up to 100 years and reach roughly 7 feet in length.

"They are rare," Hood told the Mirror. "Deep-sea anglers sometimes haul them up well offshore — but not at all frequently. To see one mid-water or near the surface is very unusual."

Unusual wildlife activity in Cornwall

Cornwall has seen a string of uncommon sightings this year, from locusts and praying mantises to unusual sea slugs. Earlier this year, angler Aaron Meade, 39, of Bodmin landed an ocean sunfish (Mola mola) near Padstow. The mola is the world's largest bony fish, capable of reaching about 11 feet and weighing up to 2.5 tonnes. "I still can't quite believe it happened," Meade said.

What researchers say

Marine scientists suggest these rare appearances may reflect changing water conditions linked to climate change, which can push deep-sea species closer to shore. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust notes that wreckfish usually avoid shallow waters, making Hood's sighting particularly notable.

Why it matters

Shifts in species distribution can disrupt local fisheries, affect tourism and indicate broader imbalances in marine ecosystems. For example, a manatee was spotted in Massachusetts earlier this year — far north of its typical Florida range — and required rapid intervention from wildlife experts to ensure its safety.

Conservation and monitoring

Conservationists urge careful monitoring and active management to help rare marine species persist. Tools such as trail cameras, tagging programmes and targeted surveys provide scientists with vital data to protect marine habitats, inform sustainable fishing practices and support restoration efforts.

Protecting species like the wreckfish and ocean sunfish not only preserves biodiversity but also helps maintain the coastal ecosystem balance that local economies and food systems depend on. Members of the public who spot unusual marine animals are encouraged to report sightings to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust or local marine conservation organisations to support monitoring and research.