WA: Beached whale saved

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2005
WA: Beached whale saved

PERTH, Feb 16 AAP - A beaked whale stranded on a beach south of Perth has been returned
to open water.

A rescue team from WA's Conservation and Land Management Authority had been working
to save the 4.6 metre adolescent whale since it became stranded on a Busselton beach yesterday.

Their efforts were rewarded today when the whale was shifted into deep water and swam away.

"I am delighted that the whale has been released and congratulate everyone involved
in this phenomenal rescue effort," federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell said today.

"The Australian government is already funding the establishment of a national whale
strandings database and now we are working towards the development of a marine mammal
strandings network."

Senator Campbell said the government was also developing a national standard for the
collection of scientific samples to assist in research into the causes of marine mammal
strandings.

"It is not known why they sometimes run aground on the seashore, for it is asserted
that this happens rather frequently when the fancy takes them and without any apparent
reason."

The saved whale has been identified as a Cuvier's beaked whale, which can grow to around
7.6 metres and weigh up to three tonnes.

The species usually lives in small groups of two to seven but it is not uncommon for
them to be seen alone.

Authorities are still waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination on another
beaked whale that stranded itself on Rottnest Island, 20km off the coast of Perth, less
than a month ago.

That was the 20th stranding of the species in WA over the past two decades, Senator
Campbell said.

AAP hn/cjh/de

KEYWORD: WHALES NIGHTLEAD

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