77 pilot whales have died after coming ashore on a beach in Orkney, marking one of the largest mass strandings in decades. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) attempted to save 12 of them initially found alive at Tresness Beach on Sanday Island but decided to euthanise them when efforts to refloat them failed.
The pod included adult males, females, calves, and juveniles. Experts are investigating the cause of the stranding, suspecting that one distressed whale led the others ashore. This event is believed to be the largest stranding in Scotland since at least 1995.
Similar incidents have occurred recently, indicating a concerning trend possibly linked to increased hazards or population sizes affecting marine mammals in Scottish waters.
Efforts are underway to determine the best way to handle the disposal of the whales’ bodies, considering both environmental concerns and public health implications.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3g6xzrxy35o