**** Info via MARS
A Difficult Response on Sable Island
Some live animal incidents are incredibly challenging due to location, logistics, and safety considerations. When these factors come together, intervention can be impossible, much to the heartbreak of all involved.
On June 10, MARS received a report from Parks Canada of a mass stranding of 16 pilot whales on Sable Island National Park Reserve, located approximately 290 km southeast off the coast of Halifax.
The whales were first discovered by Zoe Lucas of the Sable Island Institute during a routine beach survey and reported to Parks Canada. Parks Canada personnel responded to the scene and found that some of the animals had already died. Unfortunately, due to the remote location and circumstances of the incident, intervention was not possible and the remaining animals passed shortly afterward.
While this was a difficult outcome, valuable information was still able to be collected. Parks Canada personnel documented the animals and collected samples on behalf of MARS. These samples will help contribute to our understanding of marine mammal health and the factors that may contribute to strandings.
Mass strandings of pilot whales are a natural phenomenon that have occurred around the world for centuries, though many questions remain about why they happen.
We are incredibly grateful to Zoe Lucas and the Sable Island Institute, as well as the Parks Canada team, for their response, documentation, and collaboration during this challenging incident.
Every response matters, and every animal has a story to tell.
Photo Credit: K. Penn, Parks Canada
