Tasmanian authorities are faced with the difficult decision to euthanise 90 false killer whales that have stranded on a beach near Arthur River, due to safety and animal welfare concerns. The group of 157 animals was first discovered by a member of the public, marking the first large mass stranding of false killer whales in 50 years. Efforts to refloat the whales were deemed challenging due to hazardous ocean conditions and the inaccessibility of the site.
The decision to euthanise the animals was made following expert veterinary assessments, with the process to be carried out using firearms. Authorities emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of the animals and rescue personnel during this difficult situation. The Tasmanian environment department warned the public against interfering with the protected species, even after they have deceased.
The incident has prompted a review of the cetacean incident manual, which guides stranding responses in Tasmania. False killer whales, despite their common name, are a highly sociable species of dolphin that are prone to mass strandings due to their large pods. The last false killer whale mass stranding in Tasmania occurred in 1974, involving a similar number of animals.
The euthanasia of the stranded false killer whales underscores the challenging nature of marine conservation efforts and highlights the importance of effective response protocols in protecting vulnerable marine species.
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