Macquarie Heads whale operation shifts gear from rescue to burial

Authorities believe there are no whales left alive in the West Coast harbour after 470 were stranded there earlier this week.

But marine conservation experts and volunteers did manage to help 108 whales and release them outside the heads of Macquarie Harbour.

Marine Conservation Program wildlife biologist Dr Kris Carlyon said that outcome was the result of hard work from the rescue team over the past five days.

"We only had one whale restrand overnight, which is a good result given 20 whales were released yesterday," Dr Carlyon said.

Efforts have now turned to the clean up operation, with 15 whales buried at sea on Friday.

The process involved towing the carcasses out of the harbour and releasing them offshore, with the distance determined on factors including weather and sea conditions.

Incident Controller and Parks and Wildlife Service manager Rob Buck said the team spent Saturday preparing the deceased whales closest to the Strahan township so they could be disposed of on Sunday during better weather.

"Collection and disposal is being undertaken with the assistance of aquaculture companies whose equipment and expertise on the harbour is essential for a timely and effective outcome,' he said.

Mr Buck said the burial of the 15 whales at sea was "a trial to determine the success of this disposal method".

A Notice to Mariners will be issued by Marine and Safety Tasmania each day following the disposal of any whales at sea.

The removal of the carcasses is expected to take several days depending on the winds, tides and current.

Members of the public are asked to keep the immediate area around the carcasses free so the response team can continue to work safely and efficiently.

"We know it's hard for people to watch from afar and thank the community for allowing our teams to focus on the critical work required for the response," Mr Buck said.

The Macquarie Heads boat ramp remains closed to the public and those keen to head out on the water are urged to use the boat ramp at Strahan.

"Our aim is to re-open the Macquarie Heads boat ramp as soon as practically possible," Mr Buck said.

If you see a whale in other areas around Macquarie Harbour in coming days, please report the sighting to the Whale Hotline 0427 WHALES.