What is a pilot whale and how did they get stuck in Macquarie Harbour?

Almost 400 whales have died in one of the largest whale strandings in history. But what caused the whales to strand, and why can’t they get out of Macquarie Harbour? READ OUR EXPLAINER >>

• ‘Biggest stranding, death toll in Australian history’
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ALMOST 400 whales have died in the largest whale stranding in Australia’s history.

The stranding is among the largest in the world.

Historically, a stranding in New Zealand was the largest, where in 1918 almost 1000 whales were stranded on the Chatham Islands.

In 1935 around 300 pilot whales were stranded at Stanley, in Tasmania, and in 1985 450 pilot whales stranded at Auckland, New Zealand.

As recent as 2015 337 whales died after a stranding in a remote fjord in Patagonia, in southern Chile, however these were believed to be sei whales.

SO WHAT ARE PILOT WHALES?

A handout photo taken and received on September 23, 2020 from the Mercury shows a whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors. (Photo by Patrick GEE / THE MERCURY/AFP)

The long, dark sea creatures can be either long-finned or short-finned.

The largest strandings in Tasmanian recorded history have been long-finned pilot whales, with the short-finned species more typically found in tropical climates.

Pilot whales are the second largest species after orcas from the dolphin family or blackfish family.

Their facial features are similar to that of a dolphin, with a rounded head and short snout, but they are a similar size to whales and have been treated as whales underneath marine regulations.

The name “pilot whale” comes from the observation that each member of the pod would follow a leader acting as their “pilot”.

Pilot whales are highly social but are known for stranding themselves because of their strong bonds preventing them from separating.

The mammals can grow to 6.5m long and 2,300kg and eat squid, octopus and some fish.

WHY ARE THEY STUCK IN MACQUARIE HARBOUR?

Petuna Aquaculture feed manager Tom Mountney, crewman Nick Hall and operations manager Ty Becker, back, tie a pilot what to the side of the company's boat 'Digger' with the help of rescuers from various organisations to tow it to open seas after 470 whales became stranded in Macquarie Harbour at Strahan. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Whale rescue operations at Macquarie Heads in Strahan on the right. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Entrance to Macquarie Harbour, via Macquarie Heads is between a narrow headland, making it difficult for the whales and the rescuers to get them through the mouth again.

Marine Conservation wildlife biologist Dr Kris Carlyon said it was “definitely” the biggest stranding event in Tasmanian history and it was believed to be the biggest in Australia.

But Dr Carlyon said it was hard to know why the 200 whales found deeper in the Harbour were all dead, while many of those found at Macquarie Heads were still alive.

He also said scientists may remain clueless as to why the whales actually went into the harbour.

However it is understood that pilot whales ‘follow the leader’ with one whale steering a pod – which may have lead them into the harbour.

Pilot whales’ social bonds may also have prevented them from separating in the harbour.

The harbour entrance tides also fluctuate between around 90cm and almost dry, making it difficult for the whales to exit of their own accord.

Macquarie Harbour itself has an average depth of 15m, and is as deep as 50m.

According to DPIPWE strandings commonly occur on low profile sandy spits.

Macquarie Heads at the entrance to Macquarie Harbour is a known stranding hot spot for Long-fined pilot whales, Sperm whales and Bottle-nosed dolphins.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Whale rescue operations in Strahan on Wednesday. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Dr Carlyon said euthanasia was an option for those left suffering who cannot be saved but rescue efforts would continue while there was a still a chance of saving more.

It is expected a plan will be hatched on Thursday for disposal of the whale corpses.

There are three options, rescuers can drag the corpses out to sea, they can be left in the harbour, or they can be taken to landfill.

If the corpses are left to decompose in the harbour and outside the harbour, there are fears sharks will be attracted to the area.

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