Recent reports of peculiar white blobs on the beaches of Newfoundland have prompted Canadian officials to launch an investigation. Residents describe the blobs as doughy, likening their appearance to poorly baked bread, with an odor reminiscent of vegetable oil.
Initial Reports from Beachcombers
Residents along the southern tip of the province began noticing the unusual substance in early September. Beachcombers shared photos in online groups, leading to various theories about its origin. Speculations ranged from fungus and palm oil to paraffin wax and even ambergris, a valuable substance associated with whales and used in perfumes.
Official Responses and Findings
An Environment and Climate Change Canada representative confirmed that the substance does not contain petroleum hydrocarbons or biofuels. Meanwhile, a marine ecologist from Fisheries and Oceans Canada ruled out the possibility of it being a sea sponge, noting it contained no biological material.
Discovery on Placentia Bay
The blobs have primarily been found along the shores of Placentia Bay, located on Newfoundland’s southeast coast. Stan Tobin, a local environmentalist from Ship Cove, discovered the blobs during one of his regular beach walks. Initially mistaking them for Styrofoam, he has since encountered numerous globs, most measuring approximately 6 inches in diameter.
Community Concerns and Questions
Tobin reported his findings to the Canadian Coast Guard, which dismissed the idea of the blobs being Styrofoam. He expressed frustration, stating, “Somebody or somebodies know where this came from and how it got there. And knows damn well it’s not supposed to be here.”
(INCLUDES INPUTS FROM ONLINE SOURCES)
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