Experts query beached whale numbers, Tasmania, Australia *VIDEO*

October 29, 2011

Video: Dead juvenile humpback washes ashore(7pm TV News TAS)

Marine experts have raised concern about the number of humpback whales found dead on Tasmanian shores in recent weeks.

A 10-metre humpback whale washed ashore at Hope Beach in Tasmania’s south earlier this week.

The same juvenile whale beached on rocks nearly two weeks ago, but managed to free itself.

Marine Biologist Kris Carlyone said it was the third whale found dead on or near Tasmania’s coastline in the past three weeks.

“It is out of the ordinary,” Mr Carlyone said.

“This is the first time we’ve seen this many animals in a short space of time.”

Mr Carlyone said it was unclear why the whales were dying.

“They’re obviously a recovering population and to have so many, three deaths in such a short space of time is concerning,” he said.

“We’re not getting alarmist at this stage but trying to look into it and establish what exactly is happened here.”

Mr Carlyone said it was unlikely the cause of death in the latest beaching would ever be known. … Read more…

abc.net.au

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