Eight dead pilot whales were found lifeless on Nessadiou beach in Bourail in central western New Caledonia on Thursday 23 February. Is this the result of pollution or any other human activity that would deregulate the animals’ internal sonar? Probably not, explain the scientists consulted for the occasion. This type of stranding has been common for centuries. Whatever the reason for these strandings, the spectacle is always very impressive.