A major whale vomit&nbsp;(ambergris) smuggling racket has been busted in India which threatened to pose a significant threat to the country's flora and fauna. The authorities&nbsp;seized 18.1 kg of ambergris worth $3.8 million (Rs 31.67 crore) in the black market off the Tuticorin coast in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

The bust was conducted by the&nbsp;Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) after receiving a tip-off. Acting on the intel, the authorities laid a trap and managed to apprehend five people in a vehicle near the&nbsp;Harbour Beach coast of Tuticorin on the night of May 18.

Upon searching the vehicle, the officers managed to unearth 18.1 kg of ambergris, while the five smugglers confessed to their involvement in the case. Of the five smugglers four hailed from Kerala while only one was a native. They all have been remanded to judicial custody, the DRI&nbsp;informed in a statement.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-whales-help-store-planet-heating-carbon-emissions-544848">WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Whales help store planet-heating carbon emissions</a>

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The smuggling of&nbsp;whale vomit has become a major black market activity in recent years, especially in India. DRI has seized around&nbsp;&nbsp;40.52 kg of ambergris valued at $6.5 million (Rs&nbsp;54 crore) in the international market in the last two years alone - all of which was being smuggled out of India via the Tuticorin coast.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous instances&nbsp;</h2>

In September last year,&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) busted a similar whale vomit smuggling racket. During the raid, STF managed to recover 4.12 kg of&nbsp;ambergris which was thought to be worth $1.2 million (Rs 10 crore).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/megalophobia-activated-giant-whale-sinks-44ft-boat-in-pacific-ocean-574543">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Megalophobia activated: Giant whale sinks 44 ft boat in Pacific Ocean</a>

In June 2021, Mumbai police seized nine kg of ambergris in two separate cases from smugglers in the Mulund area of the city.&nbsp;

<h2>What is&nbsp;ambergris?</h2>

Generally referred to as whale vomit,&nbsp;ambergris is derived from&nbsp;old French words&nbsp;'amber' and 'gris', roughly translating to grey amber.&nbsp;

A whale produces this solid waxy substance as a form of vomit which fishermen often find floating in the sea. It is called Treasure of the Sea or Floating Gold as perfume companies use the&nbsp;ambrein alcohol extracted from ambergris to sustain scent.

The rarity of the commodity is the reason it is banned in some countries, such as the United Kingdom. In India, the possession and sale of ambergris is forbidden under the&nbsp;&nbsp;Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/whales-can-help-fight-the-climate-change-scientists-say-544934">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Whales can help fight the climate change, scientists say</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A major whale vomit (ambergris) smuggling racket has been busted in India which threatened to pose a significant threat to the country's flora and fauna. The authorities seized 18.

A major whale vomit (ambergris) smuggling racket has been busted in India which threatened to pose a significant threat to the country's flora and fauna. The authorities seized 18.1 kg of ambergris worth $3.8 million (Rs 31.67 crore) in the black market off the Tuticorin coast in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The bust was conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) after receiving a tip-off. Acting on the intel, the authorities laid a trap and managed to apprehend five people in a vehicle near the Harbour Beach coast of Tuticorin on the night of May 18. Upon searching the vehicle, the officers managed to unearth 18.1 kg of ambergris, while the five smugglers confessed to their involvement in the case. Of the five smugglers four hailed from Kerala while only one was a native. They all have been remanded to judicial custody, the DRI informed in a statement. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Whales help store planet-heating carbon emissions × The smuggling of whale vomit has become a major black market activity in recent years, especially in India. DRI has seized around 40.52 kg of ambergris valued at $6.5 million (Rs 54 crore) in the international market in the last two years alone - all of which was being smuggled out of India via the Tuticorin coast. Previous instances In September last year, Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) busted a similar whale vomit smuggling racket. During the raid, STF managed to recover 4.12 kg of ambergris which was thought to be worth $1.2 million (Rs 10 crore). ALSO READ | Megalophobia activated: Giant whale sinks 44 ft boat in Pacific Ocean In June 2021, Mumbai police seized nine kg of ambergris in two separate cases from smugglers in the Mulund area of the city. What is ambergris? Generally referred to as whale vomit, ambergris is derived from old French words 'amber' and 'gris', roughly translating to grey amber. A whale produces this solid waxy substance as a form of vomit which fishermen often find floating in the sea. It is called Treasure of the Sea or Floating Gold as perfume companies use the ambrein alcohol extracted from ambergris to sustain scent. The rarity of the commodity is the reason it is banned in some countries, such as the United Kingdom. In India, the possession and sale of ambergris is forbidden under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. ALSO READ | Whales can help fight the climate change, scientists say (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Whale vomit worth $3.8 million seized in Tamil Nadu, five smugglers arrested

A&nbsp;humpback whale about 30 feet&nbsp;long washed up at the Jersey shore this weekend, concerning the residents and environmentalists. The Atlantic City official said that the whale was discovered on the beach near South Mississippi Avenue on Saturday, only a few blocks away from where a previous whale washed ashore.&nbsp;This is the third such occurrence in a month.&nbsp;

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Currently, the city has brought in scientists from the Atlantic Conservation Society to perform a necropsy which began on Sunday, 6abc reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/whales-can-help-fight-the-climate-change-scientists-say-544934">Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Whales can help fight the climate change, scientists say</a>

Explaining the process of necropsy, Sheila Dean, the director of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, said, "You thoroughly go through the animal, open it up, find out what happened with each organ, if you can, if everything is still in tact."&nbsp;

As the necropsy began, Cecile Herskovitz, a resident in the nearby area, explained how the residents are restless with the smell. She said, "It is ripe."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | Study: Blue Whales eat 10 million pieces of microplastics daily

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Robin Shaffer from Ocean City said that living in the area for many years, he can't remember the last time he heard or saw a whale washing up the shore.&nbsp;

Some suspect that the offshore wind turbine project might have to do something with the whales.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/250-pilot-whales-die-in-new-zealand-after-another-beaching-incident-523670">Also read |&nbsp;250 pilot whales die in New Zealand after another beaching incident</a>

Dean said," They could blame maybe the Navy sonar. They could blame the fisherman. They could blame the pollution. They could blame people who throw plastic bags and still use them."&nbsp;

According to Dean, it's too early to conclude anything and she said that it could even take months to figure out why this whale died. She said that scientists have about 30 tonnes of whale to inspect.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A humpback whale about 30 feet long washed up at the Jersey shore this weekend, concerning the residents and environmentalists. The Atlantic City official said that the whale was discovered on the beach near South Mississippi Avenue on Saturday, only a few blocks away from where a previous whale washed ashore.

A humpback whale about 30 feet long washed up at the Jersey shore this weekend, concerning the residents and environmentalists. The Atlantic City official said that the whale was discovered on the beach near South Mississippi Avenue on Saturday, only a few blocks away from where a previous whale washed ashore. This is the third such occurrence in a month. Beached whale in front of Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City New Jersey #atlanticcity #NewJersey #Jerseyshore #nj #Whale #fishing pic.twitter.com/qJiWrYVwyB — Front Row Productions (@front_row_pro) January 7, 2023 × Currently, the city has brought in scientists from the Atlantic Conservation Society to perform a necropsy which began on Sunday, 6abc reported. Also read | Whales can help fight the climate change, scientists say Explaining the process of necropsy, Sheila Dean, the director of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, said, "You thoroughly go through the animal, open it up, find out what happened with each organ, if you can, if everything is still in tact." As the necropsy began, Cecile Herskovitz, a resident in the nearby area, explained how the residents are restless with the smell. She said, "It is ripe." Watch | WION Climate Tracker | Study: Blue Whales eat 10 million pieces of microplastics daily Robin Shaffer from Ocean City said that living in the area for many years, he can't remember the last time he heard or saw a whale washing up the shore. Some suspect that the offshore wind turbine project might have to do something with the whales. Also read | 250 pilot whales die in New Zealand after another beaching incident Dean said," They could blame maybe the Navy sonar. They could blame the fisherman. They could blame the pollution. They could blame people who throw plastic bags and still use them." According to Dean, it's too early to conclude anything and she said that it could even take months to figure out why this whale died. She said that scientists have about 30 tonnes of whale to inspect. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch: 30-foot humpback whale washes up at the Jersey Shore; experts launch investigation

Hopes faded on Monday for a young minke whale, who became trapped in the River Thames near London, authorities said.

Rescuers trying to recapture the whale said that by 5 pm,&nbsp;its condition had deteriorated rapidly and it would soon be stranded by the dropping tide near Teddington in southwest London.

Once the whale is beached a veterinary team will be on stand by to euthanise the animal to end its suffering, the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Marine animals thought extinct for 273 million years found in Pacific Ocean!">Marine animals thought extinct for 273 million years found in Pacific Ocean!</a>

The BDMLR said the injured and drained calf would struggle to swim even if it managed to get back into deeper water.

Crews had already worked for hours before being able to free the whale early Monday from a perilous stranding on a lock near Richmond, a few miles downstream of Teddington.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Three-year old Mtoto, Africa's earliest known human burial from 78,000 years ago">Three-year old Mtoto, Africa's earliest known human burial from 78,000 years ago</a>

But as the mammal was being taken for further health checks on an inflatable pontoon, it slipped back into the water. 
This animal is very, very lost, Port of London Authority spokesman Martin Garside said.

It's like seeing a camel at the North Pole. Garside said a whale had never been seen this far up the Thames before, 95 miles (150 kilometers) along the river from its mouth, with the sheer distance making the whale's route back to safety extremely difficult.

The whale, which measured about four meters (13 feet) long, was first seen lying on the lock's boat rollers Sunday night. Hundreds of people gathered along the banks of the Thames to watch the rescue operation as night fell.

The area is known for wide tidal swings that easily reach over 5.5 meters (18 feet) high.

Port staff were joined by firefighters, coast guard members and marine animal rescue divers.

Minke whales, which are more typically found in the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, can grow to a size of nine meters (30 feet).

Meanwhile, in Spain, a marine wildlife group was working to make sure that a gray whale found near Spain's northeastern Mediterranean coast, far from its usual northern Pacific migration routes, doesn't get stranded.

Maritime rescuers, firefighters and other authorities worked with conservationists over the weekend to keep a whale nicknamed Wally from venturing into shallow water and ports near Barcelona.

The maritime group said the whale entered the Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of Gibraltar and has been spotted since March in the vicinity of Morocco, Algeria, Italy and France.

In an aerial video released by the group, the whale could be seen very close to a seawall near one of Barcelona's main beaches.&nbsp;

Hopes faded on Monday for a young minke whale, who became trapped in the River Thames near London, authorities said. Rescuers trying to recapture the whale said that by 5 pm, its condition had deteriorated rapidly and it would soon be stranded by the dropping tide near Teddington in southwest London.

Hopes faded on Monday for a young minke whale, who became trapped in the River Thames near London, authorities said. Rescuers trying to recapture the whale said that by 5 pm, its condition had deteriorated rapidly and it would soon be stranded by the dropping tide near Teddington in southwest London. Once the whale is beached a veterinary team will be on stand by to euthanise the animal to end its suffering, the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said in a statement. Also read | Marine animals thought extinct for 273 million years found in Pacific Ocean! The BDMLR said the injured and drained calf would struggle to swim even if it managed to get back into deeper water. Crews had already worked for hours before being able to free the whale early Monday from a perilous stranding on a lock near Richmond, a few miles downstream of Teddington. Also read | Three-year old Mtoto, Africa's earliest known human burial from 78,000 years ago But as the mammal was being taken for further health checks on an inflatable pontoon, it slipped back into the water. This animal is very, very lost, Port of London Authority spokesman Martin Garside said. It's like seeing a camel at the North Pole. Garside said a whale had never been seen this far up the Thames before, 95 miles (150 kilometers) along the river from its mouth, with the sheer distance making the whale's route back to safety extremely difficult. The whale, which measured about four meters (13 feet) long, was first seen lying on the lock's boat rollers Sunday night. Hundreds of people gathered along the banks of the Thames to watch the rescue operation as night fell. The area is known for wide tidal swings that easily reach over 5.5 meters (18 feet) high. Port staff were joined by firefighters, coast guard members and marine animal rescue divers. Minke whales, which are more typically found in the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, can grow to a size of nine meters (30 feet). Meanwhile, in Spain, a marine wildlife group was working to make sure that a gray whale found near Spain's northeastern Mediterranean coast, far from its usual northern Pacific migration routes, doesn't get stranded. Maritime rescuers, firefighters and other authorities worked with conservationists over the weekend to keep a whale nicknamed Wally from venturing into shallow water and ports near Barcelona. The maritime group said the whale entered the Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of Gibraltar and has been spotted since March in the vicinity of Morocco, Algeria, Italy and France. In an aerial video released by the group, the whale could be seen very close to a seawall near one of Barcelona's main beaches.

Hopes fade for minke whale stuck in River Thames near London

Rescuers in New Zealand had to race against time to save dozens of pilot whales that were stranded on the beachside in New Zealand on Monday.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) reported that a pod of 49 long-finned pilot whales was discovered at Farewell Spit, which is nearly 90 kilometres (55 metres) north of Nelson.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-whales-commit-suicide-answer-may-be-sonar-193807" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-whales-commit-suicide-answer-may-be-sonar-193807&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMhNHO8fzuAhUZxzgGHeq7ArEQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0f06izBhCiXiaIjSu65uPK" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-whales-commit-suicide-answer-may-be-sonar-193807" target="_blank">Why do&nbsp;whales&nbsp;commit suicide? Answer may be sonar</a>

As soon as the pod was discovered, more than 60 people set to work to rescue the whales and bring them back to a healthy life. However, by mid-afternoon nine of the whales from the pod were declared dead.

"Marine mammal medics will assist with refloating the whales and caring for them on the beach, keeping them cool and wet until they can be refloated," a spokeswoman for DOC reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-3-of-45-pilot-whales-survive-mass-stranding-in-indonesia-364867" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/only-3-of-45-pilot-whales-survive-mass-stranding-in-indonesia-364867&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMhNHO8fzuAhUZxzgGHeq7ArEQFjADegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Fr745ysFK1jBdU5YMRNke" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-3-of-45-pilot-whales-survive-mass-stranding-in-indonesia-364867" target="_blank">Only 3 of 45 pilot&nbsp;whales&nbsp;survive mass stranding in Indonesia</a>

Farewell Spit is a stretch of 26-kilometre of sand that protrudes into the sea at Golden Bay. It has, in the recent past, too, seen similar whale stranding, the recent one being in February 2017, when almost 700 of the marine mammals beached, resulting in 250 deaths.

The reason behind these whale strandings is not yet clear as even the scientists are puzzled as to why is this specific beach so deadly. One given theory, till now is that the spit might be creating a shallow seabed in the bay that may interfere with the whales' sonar navigation systems.

Rescuers in New Zealand had to race against time to save dozens of pilot whales that were stranded on the beachside in New Zealand on Monday. The Department of Conservation (DOC) reported that a pod of 49 long-finned pilot whales was discovered at Farewell Spit, which is nearly 90 kilometres (55 metres) north of Nelson.

Rescuers in New Zealand had to race against time to save dozens of pilot whales that were stranded on the beachside in New Zealand on Monday. The Department of Conservation (DOC) reported that a pod of 49 long-finned pilot whales was discovered at Farewell Spit, which is nearly 90 kilometres (55 metres) north of Nelson. Also read| Why do whales commit suicide? Answer may be sonar As soon as the pod was discovered, more than 60 people set to work to rescue the whales and bring them back to a healthy life. However, by mid-afternoon nine of the whales from the pod were declared dead. "Marine mammal medics will assist with refloating the whales and caring for them on the beach, keeping them cool and wet until they can be refloated," a spokeswoman for DOC reported. Also read| Only 3 of 45 pilot whales survive mass stranding in Indonesia Farewell Spit is a stretch of 26-kilometre of sand that protrudes into the sea at Golden Bay. It has, in the recent past, too, seen similar whale stranding, the recent one being in February 2017, when almost 700 of the marine mammals beached, resulting in 250 deaths. The reason behind these whale strandings is not yet clear as even the scientists are puzzled as to why is this specific beach so deadly. One given theory, till now is that the spit might be creating a shallow seabed in the bay that may interfere with the whales' sonar navigation systems.

Dozens of pilot whales stranded in new Zealand; 9 dead

Australian wildlife officials began disposing of hundreds of dead pilot whales on Saturday after concluding there was no longer any hope of rescuing any more.

In Australia's biggest whale beaching, 470 whales&nbsp;were first spotted on a wide sandbank during an aerial reconnaissance of rugged Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania state on Monday.

After days of difficult and dangerous rescue attempts, Australia said they rescued 108 whales, with the rest now believed to have died.

Rob Buck, Incident Controller and Parks and Wildlife Service manager, said 15 whales have already been disposed of at sea, but the operations to dispose of the remaining near 350 mammals was expected to take several days at least.

"Collection and disposal is being undertaken with the assistance of aquaculture companies whose equipment and expertise on the harbour is essential for a timely and effective outcome," Buck said in an emailed statement.

The bodies of the dead whales were being separated into groups and enclosed with water booms to try keep them in one place and isolated from sharks and other predators.

Most of the released whales, a gregarious species that lives in deep waters, were expected to "regroup" and recover from the traumatic event, officials said.

Australian wildlife officials began disposing of hundreds of dead pilot whales on Saturday after concluding there was no longer any hope of rescuing any more. In Australia's biggest whale beaching, 470 whales were first spotted on a wide sandbank during an aerial reconnaissance of rugged Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania state on Monday.

Australian wildlife officials began disposing of hundreds of dead pilot whales on Saturday after concluding there was no longer any hope of rescuing any more. In Australia's biggest whale beaching, 470 whales were first spotted on a wide sandbank during an aerial reconnaissance of rugged Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania state on Monday. After days of difficult and dangerous rescue attempts, Australia said they rescued 108 whales, with the rest now believed to have died. Rob Buck, Incident Controller and Parks and Wildlife Service manager, said 15 whales have already been disposed of at sea, but the operations to dispose of the remaining near 350 mammals was expected to take several days at least. "Collection and disposal is being undertaken with the assistance of aquaculture companies whose equipment and expertise on the harbour is essential for a timely and effective outcome," Buck said in an emailed statement. The bodies of the dead whales were being separated into groups and enclosed with water booms to try keep them in one place and isolated from sharks and other predators. Most of the released whales, a gregarious species that lives in deep waters, were expected to "regroup" and recover from the traumatic event, officials said.

Australia begins disposing hundreds of dead whales after rescuing 108

Two years ago, a mother orca lost her newborn, but what caught everyone's attention was that this orca carried&nbsp;the dead newborn along with it for nearly two weeks.

Now, after almost two years,&nbsp;Tahlequah, or as the researchers call her 'J35', is pregnant again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-flowing-into-oceans-to-triple-by-2040-study-315624">Also read|&nbsp;Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study</a>

In 2018, Tahlequah swam for 17 days with her dead newborn. She later pushed her dead calf toward the surface of the Pacific&nbsp; near the coast of Canada and the Northwestern US.

A sea life response, rehab and research group called&nbsp;SR3 has released drone pictures of&nbsp;Tahlequah which show the body transformation of the killer whale, which clearly indicates that J35 is pregnant again.

SR3 has also revealed that J35 is not the only killer whale pregnant.

The experts have raised concerns as majority of the recent pregnancies of these killer whales have not been successful.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/caged-italian-coastguard-help-giant-sperm-whale-caught-in-illegal-fishing-net-314709">Have a look|&nbsp;Caged: Italian coastguard help giant sperm whale caught in illegal fishing net</a>

"Studies by our colleagues at the University of Washington have shown that these reproductive failures are linked to nutrition and access to their Chinook salmon prey," the online release said. "So, we hope folks on the water can give the Southern Residents plenty of space to forage at this important time."

SR3 also released pictures of L72's body transformation from September 2019 to July 2020, which shows that the whale is in final&nbsp;stages of pregnancy.&nbsp;

<img alt="L72" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76751ea4-ddb7-40b6-b2ff-3477f40cda23" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Killer%20whale%20pregnant.jpg" />

The organisation is urging people people to take care and give ample space to the whales during this important time.

Two years ago, a mother orca lost her newborn, but what caught everyone's attention was that this orca carried the dead newborn along with it for nearly two weeks.

Two years ago, a mother orca lost her newborn, but what caught everyone's attention was that this orca carried the dead newborn along with it for nearly two weeks. Now, after almost two years, Tahlequah, or as the researchers call her 'J35', is pregnant again. Also read| Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study In 2018, Tahlequah swam for 17 days with her dead newborn. She later pushed her dead calf toward the surface of the Pacific near the coast of Canada and the Northwestern US. A sea life response, rehab and research group called SR3 has released drone pictures of Tahlequah which show the body transformation of the killer whale, which clearly indicates that J35 is pregnant again. SR3 has also revealed that J35 is not the only killer whale pregnant. The experts have raised concerns as majority of the recent pregnancies of these killer whales have not been successful. Have a look| Caged: Italian coastguard help giant sperm whale caught in illegal fishing net "Studies by our colleagues at the University of Washington have shown that these reproductive failures are linked to nutrition and access to their Chinook salmon prey," the online release said. "So, we hope folks on the water can give the Southern Residents plenty of space to forage at this important time." SR3 also released pictures of L72's body transformation from September 2019 to July 2020, which shows that the whale is in final stages of pregnancy. The organisation is urging people people to take care and give ample space to the whales during this important time.

Killer whale, J35, who carried dead newborn for weeks is pregnant again

Up to 145 pilot whales died in a mass stranding on a remote New Zealand island at the weekend, authorities said on Monday.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) said two pods of pilot whales were stranded on a beach on Stewart Island, 30 km (20 miles) south of New Zealand's South Island.

Half of the whales were already dead when they were found by DOC officers, who were notified on Saturday night by a hiker camping in the area.

A decision was made to put the rest of the whales down due to their poor condition and the remote location, DOC Rakiura Operations Manager Ren Leppens said.

"Sadly, the likelihood of being able to successfully refloat the remaining whales was extremely low," said Leppens, who described it as the most humane thing to do.

"However, it's always a heart-breaking decision to make," he said.

New Zealand has one of the world's highest rates of whale strandings, although the precise cause for it is not known.

The DOC said it responds to an average of 85 incidents a year, mostly for single animals.

Many factors could contribute to such whale and dolphin strandings, including sickness, navigational error, geographical features, a rapidly falling tide, being chased by a predator, or extreme weather, the DOC said.

Ten pygmy killer whales were also stranded on Sunday at 90 Mile Beach on the western coast of the North Island. Two have since died and attempts were being made to refloat the rest.

The DOC said the two events were unlikely to be related.

About 300 whales died on a beach at the northwest tip of South Island last year in one of New Zealand's largest recorded mass whale strandings.

Up to 145 pilot whales died in a mass stranding on a remote New Zealand island at the weekend, authorities said on Monday. The Department of Conservation (DOC) said two pods of pilot whales were stranded on a beach on Stewart Island, 30 km (20 miles) south of New Zealand's South Island.

Up to 145 pilot whales died in a mass stranding on a remote New Zealand island at the weekend, authorities said on Monday. The Department of Conservation (DOC) said two pods of pilot whales were stranded on a beach on Stewart Island, 30 km (20 miles) south of New Zealand's South Island. Half of the whales were already dead when they were found by DOC officers, who were notified on Saturday night by a hiker camping in the area. A decision was made to put the rest of the whales down due to their poor condition and the remote location, DOC Rakiura Operations Manager Ren Leppens said. "Sadly, the likelihood of being able to successfully refloat the remaining whales was extremely low," said Leppens, who described it as the most humane thing to do. "However, it's always a heart-breaking decision to make," he said. New Zealand has one of the world's highest rates of whale strandings, although the precise cause for it is not known. The DOC said it responds to an average of 85 incidents a year, mostly for single animals. Many factors could contribute to such whale and dolphin strandings, including sickness, navigational error, geographical features, a rapidly falling tide, being chased by a predator, or extreme weather, the DOC said. Ten pygmy killer whales were also stranded on Sunday at 90 Mile Beach on the western coast of the North Island. Two have since died and attempts were being made to refloat the rest. The DOC said the two events were unlikely to be related. About 300 whales died on a beach at the northwest tip of South Island last year in one of New Zealand's largest recorded mass whale strandings.

Up to 145 whales die after mass stranding in New Zealand

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