Long lines to be used to drag dead whales out to sea

The cost of Tasmania’s massive whale rescue effort is being finalised as the focus of the operation moves to disposal of hundreds of carcasses. All the details >>

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THE CSIRO has provided oceanographic current advice as the massive whale operation on Tasmania’s west coast moves from rescue to sea burial.

Dinghies, along with fish farm and Parks and Wildlife Service vessels will tow the 350-odd carcasses into deep, offshore waters with long lines.

Removal of all the dead whales will take a number of days and is dependent on wind, tide and current conditions.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment has not yet put a final figure on the cost of the massive rescue effort and the mass sea burial but it is likely to be unprecedented due to the scale of what is Australia’s biggest whale stranding.

Rescue teams work to save a Pilot Whale at Macquarie Harbour near Strahan. Picture: STEVE BELL/GETTY IMAGES

The department on Sunday thanked the trained volunteers, the Strahan community, staff, local aquaculture industries, science and research bodies with the mission.

Many of the rescue volunteers and marine conservation experts are now on their way

home after releasing 110 long-finned pilot whales outside of the heads of Macquarie

Harbour.

Incident Controller and Parks and Wildlife Service manager Rob Buck said the

volunteers and staff had worked long hours in cold conditions over the past week.

“Thank you to everyone involved for their efforts in such a complex rescue. There has

been a tremendous team effort and this combined commitment has allowed us to get as

many whales as we can back out to sea,” Mr Buck said.

Mr Buck also thanked Tasmania Police and the local aquaculture industry.

“Huon, Tassal and Petuna have provided essential and invaluable support during the

rescue phase and are continuing to provide essential resources in relation to collection

and disposal,” Mr Buck said.

The boat ramp at Macquarie Heads remains closed but recreational boat users can use the Strahan boat ramp.

A Notice to Mariners will be issued by Marine and Safety Tasmania each day following

the disposal of any whales at sea.

It is possible whales will be found in other areas around Macquarie Harbour in coming

days.

Please report any sightings to the Whale Hotline on 0427 WHALES.