Whale Stranding Crisis: The Urgent Need for Ocean Protection
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Pilot Whales in Distress
Recently, nearly five hundred long-finned pilot whales found themselves stranded on the sandy beaches near Macquarie Heads, located on Tasmania’s west coast. This area, reminiscent of Wellfleet in Massachusetts Bay, features tidal zones with shallow sandbars and mudflats. Macquarie Heads has become notorious for pilot whale strandings, accounting for over 80% of such incidents in Australia. Notable events include the stranding of 200 pilot whales in 2009 and 294 in 1935.
In a heroic effort, more than sixty volunteers gathered to assist the stranded whales. They endured grueling twelve-hour shifts under dreary, rainy skies, often standing waist-deep in the water. Using slings, trucks, and small boats, they successfully relocated around 94 of the 470 stranded whales to deeper waters.
The Anatomy and Behavior of Pilot Whales
Pilot whales belong to the dolphin family of toothed whales. These predominantly black or gray creatures can grow up to 21 feet in length, making them second in size only to orcas. Males are slightly larger than females. Recognizable by the pronounced melon atop their heads, pilot whales are scientifically named Globicephala melas, derived from the Latin word for globe and the Greek word for head, which has led to their colloquial name, "potheads."
The name "pilot whale" suggests that these whales are guided by a leader within their pods. However, observations indicate that they tend to swim in formation without a distinct leader, with different individuals taking turns to lead.
Pilot whales are known for their strong social bonds, which likely contributes to the frequency of large strandings. They typically stay in family groups, with younger whales remaining with their parents. Although they intermix with other pods for mating, they eventually return to their respective family units. The birthing interval for pilot whales is notably lengthy, occurring every three to five years.
The bond between mother and calf is particularly strong. Calves nurse for 36 to 42 months and may continue to consume milk until they reach 13 to 15 years of age. Remarkably, female pilot whales can experience menopause yet still nurse their young for years after ceasing reproduction. Pilot whales possess the highest number of finger bones (hyperphalangy) among all whales, having thirteen compared to three in humans.
The melon on a whale's head is filled with an acoustical oil, assisting in sound navigation. While pilot whales originally had two nostrils, today only the left trachea leads to the blowhole, with the right trachea forming a loop within the head. This unique structure, referred to as "monkey lips," enables sound production critical for navigation.
To efficiently hunt for food, pilot whales utilize a sophisticated sonar system that allows them to detect prey, such as squid, from great distances. Their remarkable echolocation abilities enable them to swiftly locate and capture squid, despite the challenges posed by the similar densities of squid and seawater.
Adaptability and Feeding Habits
Pilot whales are found in all oceans, showcasing remarkable adaptability when it comes to prey selection. Unlike orcas, which often specialize in either fish or seals, pilot whales have been known to follow tuna fishermen to capitalize on the squid used as bait. When leftover bait is discarded, pilot whales have been observed eagerly consuming it.
Traditional fishing methods posed challenges for tuna populations, with standard hooks causing internal damage to the fish. To mitigate this, circle hooks were introduced, which are designed to more easily catch and release tuna without causing significant harm. As a result, pilot whales began to develop a taste for tuna, taking advantage of this new feeding opportunity.
Maternal Care and Environmental Threats
Pilot whales exhibit profound care for their young. For instance, off the coast of Oregon Inlet, a pilot whale was documented pushing her deceased calf for four consecutive days, demonstrating an intense bond within the pod.
Similar to humans, whales are susceptible to the accumulation of heavy metals and other toxins. Bluefin tuna, due to their long lifespan and position in the food chain, contain high levels of these toxins. A single pound of bluefin tuna can have a toxic load equivalent to several dump trucks filled with diatoms from the ocean's base. Notably, female whales tend to have lower toxin levels than males, as they transfer some of these toxins to their calves through milk.
The North Atlantic Right Whale faces a dire threat of extinction, with no calves born in 2018. As toxins accumulate and are passed down through generations, the risk of fertility loss looms over many whale populations, including pilot whales, unless pollution is significantly reduced.
Restoring Ocean Health for Whale Survival
To safeguard pilot whales, we must prioritize ocean health, which in turn benefits human health. It is imperative to support legislators who advocate for policies aimed at reducing pollution and promoting responsible ocean management. The call to "Vote the Ocean" emphasizes the need for collective action to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.
In this video, more than 200 pilot whales are found stranded along Tasmania's west coast, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
This video captures the emotional moment when a pod of pilot whales is discovered stranded on an Australian beach, shedding light on the challenges they face.