Three whales released, one dead, after Macquarie Harbour stranding

On Sunday afternoon, wildlife biologists confirmed they were responding to reports a small pod of pilot whales had become stranded near Strahan.

Marine conservation program wildlife biologist Sam Thalmann said they became stranded on Saturday afternoon, and it was considered part of the same event that resulted in about 460 pilot whales stranding in the area last month.

It's believed a single larger whale and three smaller pilot whales were swimming freely deep in the harbour since the original stranding three weeks ago, before the larger whale became stranded on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday evening it was confirmed that Parks and Wildlife Service and marine conservation experts, with support from the aquaculture sector, had successfully released three of the whales.

Unfortunately, Mr Thalmann confirmed one of the smaller whales had died.

"Investigations are ongoing into this latest stranding," he said.

"The team are currently undertaking an aerial survey of the harbour and beaches to make sure there are no other whales stranded.

"Thank you again to the member of the public who reported the whales to us this morning, enabling a quick response."

Strandings and sightings can be reported to the Whale Hotline on 0427 WHALES.