Authorities warn locals to stay away from stranded whales

LOCALS are being asked to leave whale rescues to authorities after a stranded whale on the Bellarine was pushed out to sea.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) responded to reports of a whale having washed ashore at Bancoora Beach on Saturday.

When Forest and Wildlife Officers arrived on site, they found the whale had been pushed back out to sea twice by members of the public.

The whale was later found deceased, having washed ashore at Breamlea.

DELWP Incident Controller Barry James said if members of the public came across a beached whale or dolphin they should not approach the animal or attempt to push it back into the water.

“We recommend they keep other people and dogs away, and immediately contact the Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline on 1300 136 017,” Mr James said.

“Live beached whales and dolphins are in a distressed state. Often, they have come ashore as their health is compromised in some way, and they have got into difficulty.

“Successful refloating requires a veterinary assessment, followed by period of stabilisation by trained responders.

“By being too close to a beached whale or dolphin, members of the public risk being hit by a tail, or being rolled on in the surf.”

DELWP also responded to reports of a whale having washed ashore at Thirteenth Beach on Saturday. The whale was found to be deceased.

“DELWP has collected samples and measurements, and these will be provided to the Melbourne Museum for identification and research purposes,” Mr James said.

“DELWP is working with the Barwon Coast Committee to arrange the removal of the carcass, when tide conditions make it safe to do so.

“We are asking the public to stay away from the carcass, as whale remains are protected by law and must not be interfered with.

“There are also health risks associated with whale decomposition, including the possibility of pathogens from whale carcasses being harmful to humans.”

DELWP will undertake an autopsy of the 3.4 metre carcass to try and identify the cause of death.

The carcass is located in an area of the foreshore that is dangerous to access due to rising water.