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<docID>338586</docID>
<postdate>2025-02-19 09:51:44</postdate>
<headline>Mass whale stranding on remote beach</headline>
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<caption>More than 150 suspected false killer whales are stranded on a remote Tasmanian beach. (HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT TASMANIA)</caption>
<p class="wire-column__preview__author"><span class="kicker-line">ByÂ <b>Ethan James</b>Â in Hobart</span></p>
<p><strong>More than 150 whales are beached on Tasmania's remote west coast, a notorious hotspot for strandings.</strong></p>
<p>Conservation experts and veterinarians have arrived at the hard-to-reach location near the Arthur River, the state's environment department said on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Initial observations suggest 136 of the 157 stranded mammals, which appear to be false killer whales, are alive.</p>
<p>Further assessments are being undertaken and a response plan is being developed.</p>
<p>"Stranding response in this area is complex due to the inaccessibility of the site, ocean conditions and the challenges of getting specialist equipment to the remote area," the department said.</p>
<p>"If it is determined there is a need for help from the general public, a request will be made through various avenues."</p>
<p>Australia's worst-ever stranding involving 470 pilot whales occurred in 2020 at Macquarie Harbour, south of the Arthur River on Tasmania's west coast.</p>
<p>In 2022, around 230 pilot whales got into trouble in shallow water at the heads of Macquarie Harbour.</p>
<p>People have been advised to avoid the area of the latest stranding because of an active bushfire in the area.</p>
<p>"All whales are protected species, even once deceased, and it is an offence to interfere with a carcass," the department said.</p>
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