Marine strandings
The EPA maintains a database of marine wildlife strandings and deaths, called StrandNet. This records information on where injured, dying and dead marine cetaceans (whales and dolphins), pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), dugong and turtles have been found in Queensland.The EPA assesses the cause of the injuries or death where known, and summarises that information in annual reports.
Most reports of individual strandings are supplied by staff of the EPA and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Some of those reports come in via the statewide stranding hotline, 1300 130 372.
Other reports come from rescue organisations such as Sea World and Underwater World and the general public. The database also contains mortality records from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries’ Shark Control Program.
StrandNet shows when marine animal deaths occur due to human causes, so it plays a role in raising community awareness and concern. The go-slow zones in Moreton Bay and dugong protection areas along the eastern Queensland coastline are two changes introduced to reduce boat strike and netting as sources of injury and mortality. These were a direct result of increased strandings recorded in StrandNet.
What to do if you find a stranded marine animal
If you find a sick or dead turtle, dugong, dolphin or whale, please phone our
stranding hotline 1300 130 372 with details of location, what animal it is (if
known), and whether it is dead or alive. If conditions are suitable, QPWS staff
will go to the site and collect information about the dead or stranded wildlife.
QPWS or the local council usually arrange for the animal’s rehabilitation
or disposal of the carcass.
The below policy outlines the role of QPWS in responding to stranded marine wildlife in State coastal waters, foreshores, islands and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Last updated: 06 October 2008
