Pilot whale - en.wikipedia.org Early yesterday morning, Dingle Ocean World received a call after three pilot whales were spotted on Goulane Beach in West Kerry, Ireland.
After making an appeal for volunteers to help the whales return to the ocean, the rescue mission began just after 10am. A team of volunteers, including tourists, assisted the three whales and managed to return all the huge mammals to the sea.
However, shortly after, the whales once again stranded themselves at Brandon Pier. Source: Mirror.
Few things in nature are more tragic than the sight of a pod of dolphins or whales—some of the most magnificent and intelligent creatures on Earth—lying helpless and dying on the beach. Mass whale strandings occur in many parts of the world, and we don't know why. Only recently a pod beached themselves in New Zealand. The 100 mammals who died in February are believed to have suffered great physical and emotional trauma.
Scientists are still searching for the answers that will unlock this mystery.
After making an appeal for volunteers to help the whales return to the ocean, the rescue mission began just after 10am. A team of volunteers, including tourists, assisted the three whales and managed to return all the huge mammals to the sea.
However, shortly after, the whales once again stranded themselves at Brandon Pier. Source: Mirror.
Few things in nature are more tragic than the sight of a pod of dolphins or whales—some of the most magnificent and intelligent creatures on Earth—lying helpless and dying on the beach. Mass whale strandings occur in many parts of the world, and we don't know why. Only recently a pod beached themselves in New Zealand. The 100 mammals who died in February are believed to have suffered great physical and emotional trauma.
Scientists are still searching for the answers that will unlock this mystery.
Cetacean stranding, 1902 - en.wikipedia.org There are many theories over this puzzling occurrence for which stretches back as long as we can remember. Some suppositions include weather conditions, diseases (such as viruses, brain lesions, parasites in the ears or sinuses), underwater seismic activity (sometimes called seaquakes), magnetic field anomalies, and unfamiliar underwater topography.
Strong evidence blames naval sonar. Military sonar sends out intense underwater sonic waves. The very loud sound can retain its power across hundreds of miles.
Evidence of how dangerous sonar might be for marine mammals emerged in the year 2000, when whales of four different species stranded themselves on beaches in the Bahamas after a U.S. Navy battle group used mid-frequency sonar in the area. The Navy initially denied responsibility, but a government investigation concluded that Navy sonar caused the whale strandings.
Another theory is that the strange behaviour is due to illness or injury. A whale swims close to shore to take refuge in shallow water and becomes trapped by the changing tide. Because whales are highly social creatures that travel in communities called pods, some mass strandings may occur when healthy whales refuse to abandon a sick or injured pod member and follow them into shallow water. Source: About.
This last reason is the one I'm inclined to believe. These are intelligent, caring creatures, who share some of mankind's most endearing qualities. Consider the contrasting behaviour of a school of sharks.
By observing dolphins' and whales' emotions, many people feel empathy to these stranded cetaceans. It's wonderful to see how many strangers arrive to give assistance whenever the creatures become trapped in shallow water.
Strong evidence blames naval sonar. Military sonar sends out intense underwater sonic waves. The very loud sound can retain its power across hundreds of miles.
Evidence of how dangerous sonar might be for marine mammals emerged in the year 2000, when whales of four different species stranded themselves on beaches in the Bahamas after a U.S. Navy battle group used mid-frequency sonar in the area. The Navy initially denied responsibility, but a government investigation concluded that Navy sonar caused the whale strandings.
Another theory is that the strange behaviour is due to illness or injury. A whale swims close to shore to take refuge in shallow water and becomes trapped by the changing tide. Because whales are highly social creatures that travel in communities called pods, some mass strandings may occur when healthy whales refuse to abandon a sick or injured pod member and follow them into shallow water. Source: About.
This last reason is the one I'm inclined to believe. These are intelligent, caring creatures, who share some of mankind's most endearing qualities. Consider the contrasting behaviour of a school of sharks.
By observing dolphins' and whales' emotions, many people feel empathy to these stranded cetaceans. It's wonderful to see how many strangers arrive to give assistance whenever the creatures become trapped in shallow water.
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