A mock mass stranding has given 30 local volunteer marine mammal medics a chance to brush up on their skills.
The event at Rabbit Island on Saturday saw seven inflatable animals used to mimic a stranding event, with dolphins and whales in the mix.
Department of Conservation and Māpua Volunteer Fire Brigade provided support for the event run by Project Jonah, along with funding from Tasman District Council and sponsorships from Chia Sisters and Pics Peanut Butter.
A spokesperson for Project Jonah says it was an incredibly valuable exercise to test their systems, grow leadership roles, connect with local agencies and, most importantly, work with local medics.
They say summer is one of the busiest seasons for whale and dolphin strandings in New Zealand.
“Mass strandings are hard to prepare for and we’ve been wanting to do this exercise for a while now to give our medics the opportunity to get hands-on experiences with life-size, life-weight inflatable whales.”
