Whale Strandings

For me personally there is nothing more heart breaking in nature than seeing a whale stranded. It is so sad to see these mystical creatures lose their way and end up beached on shores all over the world. With New Zealand having a large coast line we have our fair share. A multiple stranding is particularly devastating.

While, there are different theories for beaching, the question of why remains uncertain. Social cohesion of some species is thought to be a cause. If one whale is in trouble, its distress calls may prompt the rest of the pod to follow resulting in a mass beaching. Stranding has been attributed to natural and environmental causes, including weather, illness, birthing issues and navigation errors.

Project Jonah in New Zealand, a registered charity, performs an amazing job in which volunteers help whales, dolphins and seals. The organisation has pioneered whale rescue techniques that they have shared globally. Volunteers can complete a course to become a marine mammal medic to assist whales that become stranded.

Fingers crossed that in 2010 there will be minimal strandings across the world. Why not train to help these beautiful creatures that we share the ocean with or help in a beach cleanup. I also recommend you say NO to whaling!