Whale Stranding

Whale stranding is a phenomenon that occurs when whales become stranded on land, usually a beach, and are unable to return to the ocean. While single animal strandings are more common, mass strandings involving hundreds of marine animals can also occur. Although the exact reasons for this phenomenon are not yet fully understood, several factors have been proposed as potential causes, including topography, illness, human activities, and increasing noise pollution in the oceans. In this article, we discuss the causes and consequences of whale stranding.

Causes of Whale Stranding

The reasons why whales become stranded on beaches are still not fully understood, but a number of possible factors have been suggested. One of the main causes is believed to be the topography of the region, such as shallow waters, strong currents, or an uneven ocean floor, which can disorientate whales and make them more likely to become stranded. Another cause is illness, as sick or injured whales may be unable to navigate properly, or may seek shallower waters to rest.

Human activities are also believed to be a significant contributing factor to whale stranding. For example, loud underwater noises caused by sonar, oil drilling, and naval exercises can disorientate whales, leading to stranding. Collisions with boats and ships, entanglement in fishing nets, and pollution are other factors that can harm and disorientate whales, leading to stranding.

Consequences of Whale Stranding

Whale stranding can have significant consequences for both the whales and the environment. Strandings can result in injury or death for the stranded whales, as they may be unable to breathe properly, suffer from dehydration, or become vulnerable to predators on land. In addition, mass strandings can also impact the ecosystem of the surrounding area, as decomposing whale carcasses can attract scavengers, increase bacterial activity, and lead to algal blooms, which can further harm the marine environment.

Strandings also have a significant impact on human communities, particularly those that rely on fishing and tourism. For example, when whales are stranded on popular tourist beaches, they can cause significant disruption to local businesses, as well as a significant impact on the economy.

Recent Strandings and Rescues

Whale strandings are a global issue, and while some regions are known hotspots for these events, they can happen anywhere. Recently, a group of 14 pilot whales became stranded on the shores of Sri Lanka’s Kalpitiya, in the northwest of the country. Fortunately, the timely intervention of a navy team and local fishermen meant that 11 of the whales were successfully rescued and returned to the ocean. The remaining whales, however, died as a result of their injuries.