CDU EXPERT: Marine scientist says mass strandings could be sign of something more ominous for the entire ecosystem
THURSDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2025
WHO: Dr. Carol Palmer, Senior Research Associate (Cetaceans and Marine Megafauna) at Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL).
TOPICS:
- Why understanding mass strandings matters for the environment,
- Could mass strandings be prevented and what impact does climate change have, and
- What to do if a member of the public is the first to arrive on the scene of a mass stranding.
CONTACT DETAILS: Call +61 8 8946 6721 or email media@cdu.edu.au to arrange an interview.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO DR CAROL PALMER:
“Understanding and investigating the causes of cetaceans strandings is critical because they can be indicators of ocean health, can help identify anthropogenic sources of disturbance, and can give insights into larger environmental issues that may also have implications for human health.
“Could it have been prevented? It’s hard to confirm at this point – but loud sounds, like those from human activities such as military exercises, for example, can disorient dolphins and lead to strandings.
“Climate change is another major factor that can influence dolphin strandings. As global average temperatures rise, sea levels are rising at an alarming rate. This will cause large amounts of coastal habitats to be flooded, forcing dolphins from their natural habitats and increasing the risk of strandings.
“Strandings like these are incredibly sad and we absolutely need to undertake the appropriate research to confirm what causes them – and this can only happen with adequate funding.
“If a member of the public is the first to arrive on the scene of a mass stranding, alert the relevant authorities, and cover the bodies in a cloth to stop serious sunburn to the skin, keep them wet and review any injuries. These animals are not used to being in the sun, so their skin starts to deteriorate quite quickly under such extreme exposure.”
Contact details:
Media and Communications Officer
Marketing, Media and Communications
E: alyce.mokrzycki@cdu.edu.au
W: cdu.edu.au
