Dead whale stowed out

Currents and tides key to disposal of carcasses

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

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

Removal of all the dead whales will take 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 Australia’s biggest whale stranding.

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

Many of the rescue volunteers and marine conservation experts are on their way home after releasing 110 long-finned pilot whales outside 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 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.

More whales may be found around Macquarie Harbour over the next few days.

Sightings should be reported to the Whale Hotline on 0427WHALES.