Latest news with #MarineConservationProgram
USA Today
19-02-2025
- General
- USA Today
Video: Nearly 100 beached whales in Tasmania euthanized after rescue attempts fail
Video: Nearly 100 beached whales in Tasmania euthanized after rescue attempts fail Show Caption Hide Caption False killer whales stranded on Tasmanian beach Over 150 false killer whales, a species of dolphin, were stranded on a Tasmanian beach. Editor's note: This story contains images and video that may be disturbing to some readers. After existing efforts to save the aquatic animals, Australian authorities are euthanizing 90 beached whales stranded on a Tasmanian beach. The animals are part of a pod of 157 whales that beached near Arthur River, a township on the northern part of the West Coast of the island of Tasmania, the Marine Conservation Program reported Tuesday. The other whales died shortly after the stranding, according to the federal agency. During a press conference, Brendon Clark, an officer with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, said the animals are false killer whales, a species of dolphin generally found in deep off-shore waters. Clark said it marked the first standing of that species in about five decades. This good boy's sweet adoption story: German Shepard named Pedigree Foundation's Rescue Dog of the Year Cause of mass whale beaching unclear It was not immediately known what caused the mass beaching. "Following expert wildlife veterinarian assessments, we have decided euthanasia will be required for animal welfare reasons," Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, another group working with the Marine Conservation Program, posted on Facebook Wednesday. "Unfortunately, it's currently expected all remaining alive whales will be euthanized." "The longer these animals are stranded, the longer they are suffering," the wildlife service wrote. Crews made rescue attempts, but unfavorable weather prevented saving Video shows rescue crews attempting to save the whales that survived the mass stranding, but officials said sadly unfavorable weather conditions and the remote nature of the site prevented their successful refloating. Officials said the wildlife service has closed roads and beaches in the area while officials work. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Watch: Over 150 whales stranded on Australian beach cry out across deadly shoreline
NELSON BAY, Tasmania – A mass stranding of more than 150 false killer whales on a remote island beach south of the Australian mainland has taken a grim turn, with rough seas hindering rescue efforts. In a struggle for survival, the heartbreaking sounds of the mammals' labored breathing and faint high-pitched cries for help echo in Nelson Bay resident Jocelyn Flint's distressing video (above) filmed Tuesday near Arthur River in northwest Tasmania. Initially, the Marine Conservation Program said 157 whales were stranded, with 90 found alive. The government agency, along with the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, has been working to save the whales, but challenging ocean conditions have repeatedly hampered their efforts. Marine wildlife officials said Wednesday that attempts to refloat two relocated whales failed, as strong currents and waves continuously pushed the animals back to shore. "The weather forecasts predict similar weather for at least the next two days," the Marine Conservation Program said. "Animal and human safety is a priority during this response. Following expert wildlife veterinarian assessments, we have decided euthanasia will be required for animal welfare reasons." Unfortunately, it's expected all remaining alive whales will be euthanized, the agency said. "The longer these animals are stranded, the longer they are suffering," marine wildlife officials noted. The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has closed several nearby areas to protect the public and to allow responders to work. The cause of the mass stranding remains under article source: Watch: Over 150 whales stranded on Australian beach cry out across deadly shoreline
Roya News
19-02-2025
- General
- Roya News
Over 157 dolphins beached on Australia's coast
Australian authorities have reported a mass stranding of over 157 false killer whales, a species of oceanic dolphin, along the shores of Tasmania, in an incident that has raised concerns among marine life experts. According to the island's Marine Conservation Program (MCP), the dolphins became stranded near the town of Arthur River on Tasmania's west coast, with initial observations indicating that at least 90 of them are still alive. The program confirmed that it is working alongside Tasmania's wildlife authority to understand the causes of this phenomenon and take necessary measures, stressing the importance of keeping the public away from stranded dolphins. Officials stated that rescue efforts are complicated due to the remote location of the incident. They also emphasized that dolphins are a protected species even after death, and tampering with their remains is considered a criminal offense.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Australian officials to euthanize dozens of beached whales
Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Australian wildlife officials on Wednesday said they have decided to euthanize dozens of whales that have been stranded on a Tasmanian beach. A group of 157 whales has been stranded on a beach on Tasmania's West Coast region near Arthur River, according to the Australian state's Marine Conservation Program, which said it was working with the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service in response to the wildlife incident. On Wednesday morning, about 90 of the animals appeared to still be alive. The Marine Conservation Program said it was attempting to refloat two whales but couldn't get them past the break due to ocean conditions, resulting in the animals restranding. "The weather forecasts predict similar weather for at least the next two days. Animal and human safety is a priority during this response," it said in a statement Wednesday. It said it made the decision to euthanize the whales for "animal welfare reasons" following a wildlife veterinarian assessment. "Unfortunately, it's currently expected all remaining alive whales will be euthanized," it said. "The longer these animals are stranded, the longer they are suffering." "All alternative options have been unsuccessful; euthanasia is always a last resort."
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sad find washed up on Aussie beach prompts urgent plea
A large pod of 157 whales have beached themselves on a remote beach in Tasmania — prompting an urgent plea to the public from authorities. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE) told Yahoo News it believes 136 of the animals are still alive as they lie helpless on the sand. The animals appear to be false killer whales. NRE explained the stranding near Arthur River on the west coast is at a remote location and this is hindering the rescue mission as the lack of road access is making it "fairly inaccessible". Authorities have warned that due to bushfires on the west coast of the island, the public is encouraged to stay away. "The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania's Marine Conservation Program (MCP) is working alongside staff from the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service to conduct initial assessments and plan an appropriate response," a spokesperson said. "All whales are protected species, even once deceased, and it is an offence to interfere with a carcass."Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
