Eleven pantropical spotted dolphins have died over 24 hours 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.
Parks and Wildlife officers transported dolphin carcasses out of the Albany marina. (ABC Great Southern: Astrid Volzke)
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.
A DPIRD spokesperson said in a statement the samples collected by DBCA would be transported to Perth for analysis.
“DPIRD is collecting samples for precautionary testing for H5 bird flu from a range of priority species including marine mammals as part of ongoing surveillance efforts,” the statement read.
“DPIRD provides updates on all positive cases.”