About 160 long-finned pilot whales have become stranded on the western Australian coast, with at least 26 confirmed dead. Wildlife authorities have commenced a rescue operation after marine scientists and veterinarians arrived at Toby’s Inlet near the tourist town of Dunsborough on Thursday.
The stranded whales belong to four pods spread across 1,640 feet of shoreline, according to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions. Additional groups of whales include 20 located almost a mile offshore and 110 closer to the beach.
“Our team is doing everything possible to respond safely while prioritizing both the welfare of the whales and the safety of our volunteers and staff,” the department stated. “Assessments are underway for the whales that have stranded on the beach, while our teams on the water aim to keep the animals together and prevent them from reaching the shore.”
In July, nearly 100 long-finned pilot whales perished or were euthanized during a two-day rescue effort involving a mass stranding on Cheynes Beach, approximately 220 miles southeast of Dunsborough near the former whaling station of Albany.
Dunsborough is situated 177 miles by road south of Perth, the capital and largest city of Western Australia. The department has stated that euthanasia is often the most humane solution, as indicated by past strandings such as the Cheynes Beach incident in 2023.
“We always hope for the best outcome,” they added. Regional wildlife officer Pia Courtis believes the whales likely became stranded early Thursday. She mentioned that the pod of 110 whales “sticking together offshore” might eventually approach the beach.
“Unfortunately, the prognosis for our pilot whales is generally poor once they strand on the beach. We often experience high mortality rates,” Ms. Courtis explained in a video statement.
Officials urge the public to refrain from attempting to rescue the whales independently. “While we appreciate the desire to help, we kindly request that people do not attempt to rescue the animals without guidance from DBCA staff. Such actions could cause further injury and distress to the whales and hinder organized rescue efforts,” the Parks and Wildlife Service of Western Australia emphasized in a statement.
In 1996, Dunsborough experienced a mass stranding of 320 long-finned pilot whales. On that occasion, only 20 whales perished, and rescuers successfully returned the remaining whales to the ocean.
Scientists are uncertain about the precise reasons why whales strand, but they suspect that gently sloping sandy beaches may confuse their navigation systems. Other theories propose that they are attempting to avoid predators like killer whales or following a sick leader ashore. Human-induced underwater noise may also disrupt their navigation abilities.
