A sperm whale that was stranded on a beach near the North East river on Flinders Island has died.
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After a tourist reported the issue to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) on Sunday, the whale remained alive while PWS staff and officers were onsite, monitoring the situation.
However, after a Wildlife biologist and vet from the DPIPWE arrived on the island on Monday, it was determined that refloating the large 12 tonne whale was not a feasible or humane option.
Marine Conservation Program staff collected measurements and observations on Monday and conducted post-mortem investigations on Tuesday morning at low tide.
Locals and tourists on the island are thanked for reporting the whale and for their offers of assistance, but have been reminded by the DPIPWE to keep their distance from the large animal carcass, which cannot be removed from the beach due to its size.
DPIPWE also warned the public that it was an offence to interfere, take or be in possession of parts of a dead whale, and that swimmers and other water users should avoid the immediate area as the carcass may attract sharks.
Any future sightings of free-swimming or stranded whales and dolphins should be reported to 0427 WHALES.
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