WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service/AAP via AP
Close to 150 short-finned pilot whales died today after becoming stranded on a Western Australian beach prompting warnings that sharks may be attracted to the area.
According to NEWS.com.au, less than 12 hours after the horrific incident was discovered by a fisherman, the seven surviving whales were “placed in shallow water but it was difficult to move them further out as they were surrounded by dead whales, also because of the beach’s rocky terrain and rough seas.”
Parks and Wildlife Service Incident Controller Jeremy Chick said in a statement that they did whatever they could to give these animals the best chance of survival without risking the safety of staff and beachgoers that volunteered to assist in the rescue operation.
Updates and critical information shared by Sharksmart.com.au includes the following advice:
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Take additional caution in the Hamelin Bay area.
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Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.
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Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
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If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to response agencies and to the public on the SharkSmart website and the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.
WAN hopes that an investigation will be done to find out why 150 short-finned pilot whales mysteriously washed up on shore in Western Australia and passed away as a result. A stranding this large and this tragic doesn’t happen every day, there must be answers.
