Whales found dying off Tasmania coast two years since last mass death

A large pod of whales has died on a beach off the west coast of Tasmania, just two years after hundreds of the mammals were also found dead there.

A mass whale stranding has occurred on the west coast of Tasmania, where approximately 230 mammals are lining the shore.

The Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment said about half of the stranded animals, which appear to be pilot whales, are alive.

A team from the department is currently assembling whale rescue gear and heading to the scene, where they will work alongside staff from Tasmanian Police and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife service.

Hundreds of whales have become stranded at Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast in a mass stranding event. Photo by Huon Aquaculture via Getty Images

A mass whale stranding has occurred on the west coast of Tasmania, where approximately 230 mammals are lining the shore. Picture: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

A statement from the department said the response is guided by a “comprehensive” Cetacean Incident Manual which has been under review since a similar event two years ago.

“Marine wildlife experts will assess the scene and the situation to plan an appropriate response. Stranding response in this area is complex. If it is determined there is a need for help from the general public, a request will be made through various avenues,” the Department said.

“Whales are a protected species, even once deceased, and it is an offence to interfere with a carcass.”

Devastating scene on Tasmania’s west coast. Photo by me for @abcnewspic.twitter.com/gKZrRpjIqt

— Monte Bovill (@MonteBovill) September 21, 2022

The discovery was made at Macquarie Harbour, south of Strahan, just two years after the last mass stranding in almost the exact area.

It appears police have closed certain roads in the area.

In 2020, nearly 400 pilot whales were found washed up in Macquarie Harbour amid one of the biggest strandings in the world.

Sadly, Wednesday’s discovery comes only two days after another 14 sperm whales were discovered stranded on the beach in King Island, less than 300km from Macquarie Harbour.

A Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment spokesperson told news.com.au the whales found on Monday might have been part of the same pod.

One of 14 sperm whales beached on King Island, off Tasmania's north coast. Picture: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania / AFP

A whale lays on a beach in Macquarie Harbour in 2020. Picture: Mell Chun / AFP

“It is possible the whales were part of the same bachelor pod – a group of younger male sperm whales associating together after leaving the maternal group,” the spokesperson said.

“Members of the public are reminded it is an offence to interfere with protected wildlife, including being in possession of parts of a dead whale, and are asked to keep their distance.”

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is aware of Wednesday’s stranding and is working to gain further information.

STRAHAN, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this handout image provided by Huon Aquaculture, whales are seen beached along the shoreline on September 21, 2022 in Strahan, Australia. Hundreds of whales pilot have become stranded at Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast in a mass stranding event. (Photo by Huon Aquaculture via Getty Images)

King Island resident Sarah Baldock told The Mercury she discovered the whales on Monday, and police and parks and wildlife were already on the scene.

“A friend stopped in home yesterday afternoon and had let us know (about the whales). We decided to take the children for a look – as sad as it is, it’s nice that kids get to understand the size of some of the ocean’s creatures,” Ms Baldock said.