Stranded Whales to be Euthanised

Media release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, 19 February 2025

Update on Arthur River mass whale stranding 

Unfavourable conditions are hindering response efforts at a whale stranding near Arthur River.

Incident Controller Shelley Graham said the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s Marine Conservation Program is working alongside staff from the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.

“We have been out in the water this morning and have relocated and attempted to refloat two whales but didn’t have success as the ocean conditions weren’t allowing the animals to get past the break, the animals are continuously restranding,” Ms Graham said.

The weather forecasts are predicting similar weather for at least the next two days. Animal and human safety is a priority during this response.

“Following expert wildlife veterinarian assessment, we have decided euthanasia will be required for animal welfare reasons,” she said.

Marine biologist and Deputy Incident Controller Dr Kris Carlyon said the team are following an approved and tested euthaniser procedure.

“It is currently expected all remaining alive whales will be euthanised. The longer these animals are out stranded, the longer they are suffering. All alternative options have been unsuccessful, euthaniser is always a last resort,” Dr Carlyon said.

To aid in the response PWS have closed the roads and beaches involved in the area, to stay up to date with closures visit – https://parks.tas.gov.au/alerts

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

As with many mass whale strandings, it is not known what caused this stranding.

If it is determined there is a need for help from the general public, a request will be made through various avenues.

All whales are protected species, even once deceased, and it is an offence to interfere with a carcass.

People are reminded there is an active bushfire response on the state’s west coast and to avoid the area.