Over 150 cetaceans are raised on the coasts of Tasmania: “Impossible to save them, they will be suppressed”

Wednesday 19 February, the remote west coast of Tasmania has become the scene of one of the largest environmental tragedies of the year: Over 150 pseudacchea little known species of large ocean dolphins, they ran around Arthur River. The balance is dramatic: Dozens of specimens died on the spot, while for the 90 survivors the painful decision of the suppression was made. Experts speak of one of the most complex rescue operations ever faced due to the impervia geography of the place and of prohibitive sea conditions.

An impossible rescue operation

Local authorities and marine biologists who came to the scene they tried by every means to put the animals still alive in the waterbut the logistical difficulties and the tiredness of the cetaceans have made effort vain. “We tried to move them, but they continued to return to the beach,” he said Shelley Grahamof Parks and Wildlife Service of Tasmania. The site is difficult to access: a dirt and impervious road makes the transport of specialized equipment complicated, while the adverse weather conditions have made any attempt to recover by sea impractical.

After hours of struggle against time, the most difficult decision: Keep breaking animals still alive to avoid a long agony. “After the evaluation of veterinarians, euthanasia has become the only possible option,” explained the biologist Kris Carlyonunderlining the strong stress to which the cetaceans were subjected, already weakened by exposure to the sun and to the launching winds of the coast. The method used, although tragic, has been defined as the fastest and less painful for animals.

A mystery still unsolved

Cetacean mass cherry is a phenomenon that still remains an enigma for scientists. The hypotheses are manifold: it may be a Navigation error due to geomagnetic problemsor of a social behavior, with a single disoriented specimen that drags the entire pack towards the coast. Tasmania is a hot point for this kind of events: in 2020, Over 470 pilot whales ended in the port of Macquarieand more than 350 died despite the rescue attempts.

Environmental implications and the role of man

The massacre of cetaceans in Tasmania Also raises questions about the impact of man in the marine environment. Noise pollution due to naval traffic and oil explorations could be a decisive factor in the disorientation of cetaceans. In addition, climate change are altering ocean currents and the availability of food, forcing these animals to go into more dangerous areas.