January 23, 2012
Project Jonah Mobilises for Second Golden Bay Whale Stranding

A second mass stranding of long-finned pilot whales has taken place today (subs: January 23, 2012) on Farewell Spit in Golden Bay, and volunteers are called to assist the Department of Conservation in their stranding response.

Project Jonah has alerted 350 of its trained marine mammal medics, and many are now on their way to the stranding site, approximately seven kilometres up the Spit.

“An estimated 90 whales were seen milling close to the shore around lunchtime and have now grounded on a receding tide,” says Kimberly Muncaster, Project Jonah CEO.

“Volunteers will care for the whales until nightfall but due to the inherent dangers of working on the Spit in the dark and a fast incoming tide, they will need to be withdrawn as light fades. There’s a small chance the whales may refloat on tonight’s high tide at 11.00pm, but we will be back at first light to assess the situation and assist DOC in their rescue response.

Project Jonah marine mammal medics in Golden Bay, Motueka and Nelson have been called to give immediate first aid.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to keep as many whales as possible alive until nightfall,” Kimberly says.

“We have a second wave of medics on standby from as far away as Wellington and Canterbury should they be required tomorrow morning.”
Volunteers with wetsuits are needed immediately, but more volunteers will be required for work on the beach, and Kimberly warns that these people need to remember to look after themselves and each other by coming prepared.

“People are asked to check out the Project Jonah website at www.projectjonah.org.nz for a list of items they will need to bring, but essential items include food, water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing,” she says.

Ms Muncaster says her organization is working closely with the Department of Conservation to assist in the operation.

“Project Jonah medics are trained in stranding response and have the knowledge and equipment necessary for a potentially long exercise in difficult conditions,” she says.

“It’s tragic to see another stranding so close to the last one on Farewell Spit, but we’ll be doing our best to save as many of these whales as we can.”

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