Whales and dolphins strand on many parts of the Australian coast. Strandings are more frequent on southern Australian coasts, occurring unpredictably and often in isolated areas.
Strandings of only one or two individuals are the most common, but occasionally mass strandings of over 100 animals occur. Only toothed whales mass strand. A common misconception is that stranding cetaceans are trying to commit suicide. This is not the case. The generally accepted explanations for strandings include;
- sickness, injury or old age. Strandings of this nature usually involve an individual too ill or weak to swim which, to avoid drowning, seems to be attempting to support itself on a beach or sand bar
- disorientation due to bad weather or complex topography of bays and estuaries, especially in the case of oceanic species
- navigational errors such as being trapped in mudflat areas by a receding tide or failure to detect gradually sloping, smooth sandy beaches
- strong social bonds between toothed whales causing mass strandings when a pod follows or comes to the assistance of a whale that is in distress and stranding.
What to do if you find a stranded cetacean
If the proper procedures are followed stranded cetaceans can open be rescued. Here is what you should do:
Immediately contact:
- The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service:
- P.O. Box 1967
- Hurstville NSW 2220
- Phone 02 9585 6482 or 02 9585 6444 Office Hours
Orrca’s 24-hour Hotline at (02) 9415 3333
This is the most important step as these agencies have the experience and equipment to deal with stranded cetaceans, and early notification is critical for a successful rescue operation. Give the agency the following details;
- your name,
- your location,
- the location of the stranding,
- the species of cetacean (if known),
- how many have stranded,
- how the stranding occurred (if observed),
- the approximate size and condition of the animals,
- whether they are alive or dead (reporting of dead cetaceans is important as they provide valuable information to researchers),
- whether there is access to the beach and - the weather conditions.
Once the responsible authorities have been contacted, apply the following first aid:
- Keep the animals, especially the tails and flippers, cool and wet by pouring water over them or covering with cloth kept moist. Heat stress and drying out of the skin causes rapid deterioration of stranded cetaceans.
- If possible shade them with beach towels or other materials.
- Keep sand, water and cloth away from their blowholes.
- Keep the animals upright and dig out the sand from beneath their flippers.
When the responsible authorities arrive, report the situation and follow their directions.
At mass strandings, it is useful if the whale or whales that stranded first can be identified as these animals may have caused other members of the pod to strand. Help rescuers to identify the first stranded animal(s) by tying a piece of soft cloth loosely around the tail. Do not attempt to return mass stranded cetaceans to the water individually as they will usually quickly re-strand in response to the other cetaceans remaining on the beach.
Mass stranded whales and dolphins should be returned to the sea as a group.
On rare occasions, people have prevented mass strandings by frightening away the whales that are close to the shore and appear to be stranding. Quick action such as splashing and making noise may turn whales away and avert a mass stranding.
Warning: Stranded whales and dolphins are distressed and may thrash about, particularly with their tails. They may inadvertently injure people standing too close, including those giving first aid.
Taken largely from "Whales and whale watching in Australia " Australian National Parks and Wildlife service by Warren Walker
