Daily US Times: A total of 108 surviving pilot whales have been released back into the sea after mass stranding in Australian beach, marine experts say.

Experts believe Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s west coast is now clear of live whales.

But about 350 of the mammals died, which is Australia’s worst stranding on record.

Now attention has turned to disposal of the bodied of the whales, with 15 buried at sea on Friday in a trial to test the success of that method.

On Saturday, Tasmanian government issued a statement confirming that 108 long-finned pilot whales which had survived the stranding had been released outside the heads at Macquarie Harbour.

Dr Kris Carlyon, marine Conservation Program wildlife biologist, called it a fantastic outcome after five days of hard work by the rescue team.

Dr Carlyon said: “We only had one whale restrand overnight, which is a good result given 20 whales were released yesterday.”

Efforts are now being made to remove the carcasses from the harbour. The government statement said this would take a number of days and depend on tide, wind and other conditions.

Rob Buck, Incident Controller and Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) manager, said: “Yesterday, 15 whales were buried at sea in a trial to determine the success of this disposal method.”

“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.”

Local residents in the area have been urged to stay away while the removal is under way.

You may read: ‘Australia’s worst stranding’ kills 380 whales