Knock-on effects: Experts warn climate change may increase the number of whales we find stranded.
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Only highly social species beached in groups, she said, and if one creature got into trouble or fled a predator such as a killer whale the rest would follow. "If a few of them come onshore the rest follow because of this incredible social bond," said Kemper.
Geomagnetic interference from elements such as iron ore could also scramble a cetacean's sonar, and complex coastlines such as that of Tasmania could be difficult to navigate, said Kemper.
Storm events could also impair navigation by stirring up sediment, said government scientist Nick Gales, who works for the Antarctic authority. "This becomes incredibly confusing for animals that use sound in the water column to navigate in the shallower waters," he said.
Rescue efforts
Of the pod that came ashore at Hamelin Bay, 11 were released back into the ocean using cranes fitted with giant slings. Once lifted to a truck, the 3.5-tonne mammals were transported 15 km to a more sheltered harbour for release.
It was only the third time such an ambitious rescue of whales had been attempted in Western Australia, and the first involving the long-finned pilot species.
Only three managed to return to deeper waters, with the remaining seven either euthanised or dying after re-beaching themselves, including a female and her calf.
