Pilot whales die after stranding on Nova Scotia's remote Sable Island

Pilot whales have died after stranding on Nova Scotia’s remote Sable Island, prompting investigations into the natural phenomenon. The Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) said it is examining the stranding of 16 pilot whales on Sable Island and was contacted by Parks Canada on June 10, after whales were spotted during a routine beach survey at the Sable Island National Park Reserve, about 290 kilometres southeast of Halifax. Some animals had already died when Parks Canada reported the incident to MARS, and officials said intervention was not possible because of the location and the animals’ condition. MARS said the area was too remote and that limited personnel and equipment made a response difficult, though Parks Canada supported documentation and collected samples. Remaining whales died shortly afterward. Tonya Wimmer, co-executive director of MARS, said pilot whales can be around six metres long and weigh several tons, complicating access. Fisheries and Oceans Canada said the reasons for whale strandings remain unclear, with pilot whales among social toothed whales that may strand following a single ill animal.