Australia Joins Global Effort: Racing Against Time to Save Stranded Whales

The Tasmania Department of Environment has reported that more than 150 false killer whales have beached in a remote area near Arthur River, in the island’s north-west corner.

Conservation experts and veterinarians estimate that approximately 90 out of the stranded animals, including several juveniles, are still alive. Efforts are currently underway to develop an operation to return them to sea.

Tasmania has seen a series of mass whale strandings in recent years, with the worst incident involving nearly 500 pilot whales occurring in 2020. To ensure public safety and due to bushfires burning in the area, authorities have asked people to avoid the site which is about 300km from Launceston.

A spokesperson for Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment stated that response efforts at this location are complex due to difficulties accessing the remote beach, poor ocean conditions, and challenges in bringing specialist equipment. Any need for public assistance will be communicated through a formal request.

Local resident Jocelyn Flint described her experience of discovering the stranded whales while out shark fishing with her son on Wednesday morning. She shared that she saw families of whales with open eyes looking at her as if seeking help, and noted how distressing it was to witness them struggling.

The majority of whale strandings in Australia occur in Tasmania, particularly along its west coast. In 2020, around 470 pilot whales became stranded further south at Macquarie Harbour, with about 350 succumbing despite rescue efforts. Another 200 were found stranded there again in 2022.

Whales are highly social mammals known for traveling in large, closely-knit communities that rely on constant communication. The reasons behind whale strandings remain a subject of scientific inquiry with various theories proposed. Some experts suggest disorientation after following prey to the shore or one individual leading an entire group astray by mistake.

For more information about whales and their conservation efforts in Australia, visit Whales Australia.