Pod of dolphins dead after two strandings on WA's south coast

A pod of pantropical spotted dolphins were found stranded on a beach in Albany on Tuesday afternoon. One dolphin died while the others were refloated back to deeper waters. However, the remaining pod re-stranded on Wednesday morning with only one surviving. Ten pantropical spotted dolphins have died in Western Australia's Princess Royal Harbour in Albany. The dolphin carcasses were reported on Wednesday by Parks and Wildlife officers to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). A DBCA spokesperson has confirmed the dolphins were first observed as a pod of 12 which appeared stranded in the shallows at the Albany Waterfront Marina on Tuesday morning. The spokesperson said one of the animals had died and was removed by Parks and Wildlife officers. The others were refloated by members of the public and returned to the ocean, the spokesperson said. DBCA has advised that 10 of the dolphins re-stranded overnight. Seven subsequently died. DBCA said based on veterinary advice the remaining three dolphins were humanely euthanased this morning. The spokesperson said samples were being obtained from the carcasses for testing, and recovery and removal of the carcasses would continue throughout the day. A shark advice has been issued by Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD) due to the dolphin carcasses at Melville Point and the public are urged to avoid the area. DPIRD have been contacted for comment in relation to testing of the animal carcasses for H5 bird flu.