July 15, 2024
Initial findings reveal that the pod of 77 pilot whales, tragically stranded on Orkney’s Sanday island, were healthy before the incident, according to experts.
The stranding, described as possibly the largest in nearly a century, prompted thorough investigations by cetacean specialists from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme. Mariel ten Doeschate reported that post-mortems on approximately 30 whales indicated they were in good health prior to becoming stranded.
“We’ve conducted extensive examinations and initial findings suggest all the whales were healthy,” said Ms. ten Doeschate to BBC Scotland News. “There’s no evidence suggesting a sick leader or any health issues that could have prompted the stranding.”
Experts caution that strandings like these typically result from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Some of the whales had fresh stomach contents, indicating they were feeding nearby before the event. The sandy beach where they stranded posed challenges due to how whale acoustics function, potentially complicating their navigation.
Pilot whales, known for their social structures resembling matriarchal societies, were found clustered together, suggesting a behavioral response to stress, possibly triggered by external factors such as unfamiliar sounds or the presence of predators.
As part of the investigation, ear samples from six key whales are being analyzed for signs of acoustic trauma. Researchers are also considering whether killer whales in the vicinity could have influenced the pod’s movements.
Despite efforts by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue to save some of the stranded whales, conditions—including the soft sand and high tide—prevented their successful reorientation, leading to the decision to euthanize them.
Orkney Islands Council is now discussing with local communities the best approach for disposing of the whale carcasses, with burial being the likely option.
This stranding is noted as the largest in the UK since 1927, underscoring the need for continued research and mitigation efforts to protect marine wildlife in the future.
The investigation remains ongoing, aiming to ensure that the lessons learned from this event can help prevent similar tragedies for wild whale populations.
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