Do’s and Don’ts of Whale and Dolphin Stranding’s
It is now whale migratory season and local fisherman and the public are urged to be vigilant of the possibility of whale and dolphin encounters.
It is important that if fishers and the extended community come across an entangled whale or stranded animal to report it to your State Environment Department immediately. For the Western Australian community, officers from Parks and Wildlife Services (formally DPAW) respond to whale and dolphin strandings. If you see a stranded or distressed whale or dolphin call the Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055.
At all times during whale and dolphin strandings all members of the public must follow the direction of Parks and Wildlife Services staff. These staff members are empowered under the CALM Act and Wildlife Conservation Act to take control of situations where marine animals are in distress. They also have access to veterinarians who can give expert advice on the prospects of the animal.
In no circumstances should members of the community attempt to push stranded animals back out to sea. Parks and Wildlife experience has shown they will re-strand, causing severe stress, injury and death.
In Western Australia (WA) it is an offence to touch or herd marine animals, accordingly, members of the public should not interfere with whales and dolphins unnecessarily. There are laws in place to protect marine animals, failure to observe the directions of Parks and Wildlife Service staff can result in substantial penalties with infringements issued to people who decline to cooperate.
| WHAT YOU CAN DO | WHAT NOT TO DO | ||||
| 1. |  |
THINK ABOUT YOUR SAFETY FIRST | 1. |  |
DO NOT PUT YOUR SAFETY OR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AT RISK |
| 2. | |
CALL THE WILDCARE HELPLINE ON (08) 9474 9055 – AN AVAILABLE OFFICER WILL ARRIVE AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY | 2. | |
DO NOT STAND CLOSE TO THE TAIL OR HEAD |
| 3. | |
WHILE WAITING FOR ASSISTANCE, TRY NOT TO MAKE MUCH NOISE | 3. | |
DO NOT TOUCH THE ANIMAL MORE THAN NECESSARY – DO NOT PUSH OR PULL ON THE FLIPPERS, FLUKES OR HEAD, OR COVER THE BLOWHOLE |
| 4. | |
KEEP THE ANIMAL’S SKIN MOIST WITH BUCKETS OF WATER WHERE POSSIBLE | 4. | |
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PUSH THE ANIMAL BACK OUT TO SEA – THIS WILL ONLY ADD TO ITS SUFFERING |
| 5. | |
LISTEN TO AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE WILDLIFE OFFICER | 5. | |
DO NOT APPLY SUNSCREEN EVEN IF THE ANIMAL’S SKIN IS BURNT |
For further information please see the following link:
https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/marine/marine-wildlife/64-whales-and-dolphins