Over 150 false killer whales stranded on remote beach in Tasmania

Wednesday 19 February 2025 - 14:02

Over 150 false killer whales have become stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania, marking the third mass stranding on the island's west coast in the past five years. Marine experts, including veterinarians, were dispatched to the scene in Arthur River, located in the northwest. Of the 157 stranded whales, only 90 showed signs of life, according to Brendon Clark from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE).

Despite efforts to refloat the animals, the rescue team faced significant challenges due to the inaccessibility of the beach and harsh ocean conditions. The chances of survival for beached whales are low, as their bodies are severely affected by their weight when out of the water, and returning them to the sea can endanger both the animals and the rescuers. After evaluating the situation, the decision was made to euthanize the whales for animal welfare reasons.

This event marks the first recorded stranding of false killer whales in Tasmania since 1974, although strandings of this species are not uncommon. Authorities are still uncertain about the cause of the stranding and will conduct post-mortem examinations on the carcasses to search for potential clues. Experts suggest various natural factors, such as illness, disorientation, and weather conditions, could have played a role. Additionally, human-induced factors, including underwater noise from seismic tests and military activities, are also being considered as possible contributors.

Dr. Angus Henderson from Tasmania University highlighted that Tasmania's unique geography may make navigation challenging for marine species, contributing to these occurrences. Dr. Vanessa Pirotta from Macquarie University described Tasmania as a "hotspot" for mass strandings, offering several theories to explain the phenomenon.

The whales were discovered late Tuesday afternoon, with some potentially stranded for up to 48 hours by Wednesday. Local resident Jocelyn Flint described the scene, noting that the whales had sunk into the sand and were in distress. The stranding included both adult whales and young calves, amplifying the sadness of the event.