Features in this issue

The culture and science of whale strandings

Understanding the scientific challenges

Stranded whales on the beach. Photo - Marc Russo
Stranded whales on the beach. Photo - Marc Russo

Along the extensive Western Australian coastline, mass whale strandings have unfortunately been known to occur. While theories exist regarding the reasons behind these events, it can be difficult to determine why some whales strand.

Wadandi people, the Traditional Owners of the area around Geographe Bay and the Capes in Western Australia’s south-west, have many stories of whale strandings on their Country throughout history. When mammang (Wadandi language name for all whale species) beach themselves, it can mean culturally that ancestors are coming home.  

Traditionally, as the carcasses decomposed, and their oil entered the water, large fish and sharks would come into the shallows providing hunting opportunities. A large ceremony would be held, and the people would gather to cook, share food and celebrate.  

For people from many other cultural backgrounds, the initial instinct when confronted with a mass whale stranding is to want to help return the whales back to the deeper water where they belong.  

Recently, scientists have become aware that this approach isn’t optimal for the wellbeing of the whales. After becoming stranded in shallow waters or lying on the sand for extended periods, they may experience significant injuries and extreme stress.

Ultimately, during these events many animals are not able to be returned to sea, and either perish during mass strandings or are euthanised in the interests of animal welfare.  

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Other features in this issue

Gateway to exploration

Participation in trail activities is at an all-time high, making it an ideal time to venture out and revel in nature. Popular regional towns Collie and Dwellingup have just been recognised as Western Australia’s premier Mountain Bike Trail Towns by Trails WA. 

6 minute read

Porongurup National Park

Porongurup National Park, is about 40 minutes’ drive from Albany on Western Australia’s south coast, and is home to the spectacular Porongurup Range. The granite peaks of the range rise and fall for 12 kilometres, reaching to 670 metres high and provide views of the Stirling Range and—on a clear day—the Southern Ocean. 

4 minute read

Battling feral cats

Feral cats top the list of the most destructive species in Australia, costing the economy a huge $18.5 billion over the last 60 years in damage and population control measures. In Western Australia, new technology and community-based action, backed by a nation-first strategy, are helping control feral cats to protect our precious wildlife and biodiversity.

6 minute read

Running away from it all

Ultra marathon running has all the luster of athletic events with less pace-focused seriousness, and the bonus biophilic benefits of spending time in nature. Lauren Cabrera was one of hundreds of runners who took to the trails in and around the Margaret River region this year to participate in an 80-kilometre route from Hamelin Bay to Wilyabrup as part of the Margaret River Ultra Marathon event.

5 minute read

Karijini experience

Visitors to the annual Karijini Experience enjoyed a diverse and inclusive program of high-quality arts and cultural experiences, while also forging a connection with the homeland of the Banjima people, amongst the awe-inspiring landscape of Karijini National Park. 

5 minute read

Love of the river runs deep

After settling in Western Australia with a well-developed appreciation of nature, Sue Harper was awestruck by the resident wildlife of Perth’s Swan and Canning rivers. Her love for the rivers’ resident dolphins and bird life led her to volunteer as a citizen scientist and develop impressive skills as a nature photographer. 

6 minute read

Boorn to survive

The forests of south-west Australia, known by the Noongar Traditional Owners as djarlimari, are rich in biodiversity but are facing serious threats from a changing climate. Scientists are looking into the development and application of adaptive management strategies that may help reduce the impact.

6 minute read

Recent issues

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.