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Professional wildlife cinematographer Dan Abbot, frequently referred to as ‘Sharkman Dan,’ has experienced numerous marine encounters throughout his career. However, a recent expedition to the Celtic Deep, located approximately twenty-five miles off the Welsh coast, provided him with a discovery that was truly extraordinary. Despite his extensive background in filming marine life across the globe, Abbot found himself astonished by what he witnessed during a routine snorkelling excursion.

While guiding a group of tourists, Abbot initially noticed intense biological activity. In this particular region, it is common for dolphins, tuna, and gannets to congregate while feeding. The situation took a dramatic turn when a guest spotted a ‘whale blow’—the distinctive spray produced when a whale surfaces to breathe. Abbot’s first instinct was to identify the creature as a minke or a fin whale, as these species are the most frequent visitors to these specific waters.

However, as the boat approached, the physical characteristics of the animal began to challenge his expectations. Abbot observed that the whale possessed white pectoral fins, which are the long appendages on the sides of its body. Furthermore, the creature exhibited a behavior known as ‘fluking,’ where it lifts its tail high above the water’s surface. Unlike fin whales, which rarely perform this action, this animal did so prominently. The presence of barnacles—small, hard-shelled organisms—on the whale’s head served as the final piece of evidence. These traits confirmed that the animal was, in fact, a humpback whale.

Finding a humpback whale in this part of the world is regarded as an exceptionally rare occurrence. For a professional who spends his life at sea, the encounter served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Abbot admitted that being caught off guard made the experience significantly more meaningful. The sighting has since sparked considerable interest among local conservationists, who monitor marine migrations. This event highlights the dynamic nature of our marine ecosystems and suggests that the oceans still harbor many secrets waiting to be revealed.

1. What is the primary focus of the article?

• A.The challenges of filming sharks in deep water.
• B.A surprising wildlife discovery in an unexpected location.
• C.The migration patterns of minke whales near Wales.
• D.A guide for tourists on how to spot whales in the Celtic Deep.

2. Why did Dan Abbot initially misidentify the whale?

• A.The spray from the whale’s blow was too small to see.
• B.He had never encountered a humpback whale in his career.
• C.He expected to see species that are more common in that area.
• D.The animal was swimming too quickly for a clear identification.

3. According to the text, how did Abbot confirm the animal was a humpback whale?

• A.By noticing the unusual sound it made while breathing.
• B.By observing its white side fins and the way it lifted its tail.
• C.By the way it interacted with local dolphins and tuna.
• D.By checking the distance of the boat from the Welsh coast.

4. What does the author suggest about Dan Abbot’s reaction to the sighting?

• A.He was annoyed that the guest saw the whale before he did.
• B.He felt the event was special because it was unexpected.
• C.He was concerned that the whale was lost and far from home.
• D.He believed his experience made him immune to such surprises.

5. In the third paragraph, the word ‘exhibited’ is closest in meaning to:

• A.Concealed.
• B.Displayed.
• C.Avoided.
• D.Simplified.