More than 200 pilot whales succumb after being stranded on an Australian beach 

Over the course of history, human beings have continued to be fascinated by the marine ecosystem and life (both flora and fauna) underwater. Unfortunately, we do very little to ensure that it is well-preserved. And the result is pretty evident: Endangerment and extinction of aquatic organisms.  

Recently, more than 200 pilot whales lost their lives after being stranded on the Ocean Beach, near Strahan, in the west coast of Australia’s Tasmanian region. Sources cite that around 230 pilot whales were stuck on the beach, out of which around 32 to 35 were successfully rescued and released to the deep ocean (usually through the process of wading, harnessing and floating or mechanical aid) by marine conservationists (associated with an aquatic conservation organisation called Southwest Expeditions), while the rest succumbed. In fact, a few were even stuck on a sand flat inside Macquarie Harbour, south of Strahan. The rescue operations were delayed due to beach access restrictions and tidal influences, that further made the job of returning the sea mammals to their original habitat harder.  

Are you wondering what led to the death of so many pilot whales? The exposed, surf-swept beach conditions and rugged terrain along the coastline. Interestingly, a similar incident occurred two years ago where another mass stranding stole lives of marine animals in a nearby estuary, including that of 470 long-finned pilot whales. They were mainly stuck due to sandbars near the Macquarie Harbour, that was deemed as the record worst case of marine mass stranding in Australia.  

Now, thanks to the latest incident, officials are planning to monitor other potential strandings across Australia’s west coast and keep patrolling both via air and sea.  

Earlier this year, 14 sperm whales were also found dead at the King Island near Bass Strait in Tasmania after being stranded for days. Marine biologists believe that such back-to-back incidents are not co-incidences. In fact, the whale species must be feeding on similar preys such as giant squid, off the continental shelf (that is too close to the shore); and thus, ending up on the beach.  

For those who don’t know much about pilot whales, here’s an overview. They belong to the order of cetaceans and refers to either of the two species of whale in the genus Globicephala. They are dark grey in colour and are either long-finned and found in colder waters, or short-finned and found in tropical and sub-tropical waters. They are one of the largest whale species (about 20 feet long), and comes only second to orcas in size. They are also known by the nicknames: blackfish, caaing whale or social whale (highly social and keeps track of fellow whales). As for their most popular name, pilot whales derive their name from their unique habit of being “piloted” (included in a pod) by a leader.