Hopes Fade For More Survivors In Australian Mass Whale Stranding
Faizan Hashmi Published September 24, 2020 | 09:10 AM
Macquarie Harbour, Australia, Sept 24 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Sep, 2020 ) :Only a few dozen of the 470 whales stranded on Australia's coast can still be saved, rescuers warned Thursday, as they weighed euthanising those animals in most distress.
At least 380 pilot whales have died since their ill-fated pod was discovered beached on Tasmania's rugged western seaboard four days ago -- Australia's largest-ever mass stranding.
Around 70 of the creatures have survived and the death toll is expected to rise as the window for rescue now begins to close.
"We've got about 25 animals that we think have the strength to be successfully released," said Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service manager Nic Deka, adding the "hard physical yakka (work)" of rescuers would continue until nightfall.
A crew of around 60 conservationists and skilled volunteers have spent days wading in the icy water of Macquarie Harbour, surrounded by the cries of anguished whales slowly dying.
Pilot whales -- which can grow up to six metres (20 feet) long and weigh a tonne -- are known to be highly social. Some animals have resisted rescue or tried to return to their family after being freed, becoming beached for a second time.
Such is the level of distress that authorities said they are likely to carry out mercy killings of at least four whales.
"We're actually considering euthanasia at this very moment with a small number of animals that we've attempted to release and it hasn't been successful," said Tasmanian environment department marine biologist Kris Carlyon.
"That's based purely on animal welfare grounds," he said.
"It's always something in the back of our minds, we go to it only when needed." The crews are now focusing efforts on a group of 20-25 partially submerged whales, using boats fitted with special slings to guide them back to the open ocean.
But increasingly attention is turning to how to dispose of the nearly 400 whale carcases safely.
"We are starting to form up a plan, our preference is for disposal at sea. We're still taking expert advice about where exactly the drop off point may be," said Deka.
Left where they are, Deka said the whales would "bloat and float", causing a navigation hazard, polluting the bay and potentially attracting sharks and other predators.
"The decomposition of such a large number of animals could actually affect oxygen levels in parts of the harbour, which could affect the marine life in those places." - 'Little we can do' - The causes of mass strandings remain unknown -- even to scientists who have been studying the phenomenon for decades.
Some researchers have suggested the pilot whales may have gone off track after being attracted to food close to the shoreline or by following one or two whales that strayed.
Marine biologist Carlyon said it was a "natural event" with strandings of the species occurring regularly throughout history in both southern Australian and neighbouring New Zealand.
"We do step in and respond in these situations, but as far as being able to prevent these occurring in the future, there's really little that we can do," he said.
Recent Stories
Applications Open for 6th Cycle of Start-up Incubation under the National Expans ..
Join vivo's "Light it Up" Social Media Contest in Ramadan to Win vivo V30 5G
Pakistan v New Zealand T20I series: Tickets to go on sale from today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 March 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 March 2024
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
2 days ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
4 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
5 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
5 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
7 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago