National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia is urging beachgoers to take care when approaching stranded marine mammals amid an increase in strandings on SA’s beaches.
Strandings such as those by whales and dolphins aren’t uncommon, including on Onkaparinga’s 31 kilometres of coastline, and National Parks and Wildlife Service anticipates a few more may come ashore in winter following stormy weather.
Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Ranger Nikki Zanardo says one of the key things to keep in mind when seeing a live stranded marine mammal—aside from first checking for danger to ensure your health and life aren’t at risk—is to have personal protective wear before responding to help.
“Marine mammals can carry infectious diseases that can pass among themselves, people and our pets,” Nikki says.
“These are called zoonotic diseases, and can include tuberculosis, Brucella, Toxoplasmosis and Q‑fever.
“Zoonotic diseases can spread to and from humans and pets by direct contact with the marine mammal or it’s bodily fluids—and can even disperse through the air when the animal breathes.
“This is why it’s essential to wear protective clothing when near marine mammals—whether dead or alive.
“Protective clothing includes gloves, face masks, eye and skin protection. If you find a marine mammal on a beach, please call your local National Parks and Wildlife Service office or marine wildlife rescue organisation.
“They can provide you with advice over the phone or send experienced personnel with equipment to assist with the incident.”
For more information on what to do if you come across a live stranded marine mammal, including getting help and reporting, visit the Parks and Wildlife Service website.
In March 2022, beachgoers attempted to save a stranded and injured whale on the shores of Port Willunga (pictured).
More recently, in October 2022, a tired Leopard Seal spent days resting on the beach at Moana before making its way back to Antarctica. This wasn’t a stranding—it’s common for healthy seals and sea lions to haul out on the beach and rocks.
Last weekend, a dead juvenile dolphin was found washed up on Sellicks Beach.