Mysterious white blobs have been washing up on the beaches of Newfoundland, Canada, leaving both locals and scientists perplexed. First noticed by beachgoers in early September, these sticky, sponge-like masses vary in size from that of a coin to as large as a dinner plate. The unusual substances have been found scattered across the gravel beaches of Placentia Bay at the southern tip of Newfoundland Island.
Residents have taken to social media to share images of the strange blobs, sparking widespread speculation about their origins. Many internet users have posted pictures in local Facebook groups, leading to a massive debate. Humorous suggestions abound, with some speculating that the blobs could be clumps of cheese, alien feces, or whale snot. Others have wondered if they might be un-fried dough from a local Canadian dish known as toutons or even discarded cookie dough.
David McGrath, a resident of Placentia Bay, expressed his astonishment at the phenomenon. "It's the first time I've seen anything like this, and I've lived here in Placentia Bay all my life," he said. McGrath reported seeing "hundreds" of the clumps scattered across local beaches, describing them as "pancakes" with small bubbles on the surface. He also raised concerns about their potential impact, noting that authorities could not confirm whether the material is toxic or safe to touch.
In response to the growing curiosity and concern, federal authorities have initiated an investigation. Environmental emergency officers from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have visited the sites at least three times to assess the situation and collect samples. The Canadian Coast Guard dispatched a three-member team "to assess the situation" and gather specimens of the mysterious masses for testing. Authorities have stated they are taking the potential threat to the coastal environment "very seriously."
Despite ongoing investigations, the exact nature and origin of the blobs remain unidentified. Samantha Bayard, a spokesperson for ECCC, stated, "At this time, neither the substance nor its origin has been confirmed." Preliminary analyses at an ECCC laboratory suggest that the material may be plant-based, but further analysis is needed to determine its exact nature and potential effects. Eleni Armenakis emphasized that more research is necessary on the "mysterious substance."
Amid the uncertainty, local scientists have taken an active interest in the mystery. Hilary Corlett, an assistant professor with Memorial University's earth sciences department, decided to delve into the enigma. "I just thought it would be kind of neat to follow it up and see what the mystery was all about. And I agree, it's totally mysterious," she said.
When Corlett first saw images of the blobs, she thought they might be sponges. Intrigued, she traveled to Arnold's Cove to collect samples. "I went out to Arnold's Cove and I had a little walk along the beach there, and sure enough, there were several blobs. I think I counted just on my short walk about 15 or 20," she recounted. Upon examining the specimens, Corlett observed that one of the larger blobs had an irregular surface with two pebbles lodged in it. "I tried to pull them loose and basically you couldn't. They were totally encased in the blob," she explained. Another sample had brown algae stuck on the bottom.
These observations led Corlett to theorize about the blobs' origins. "I don't think that there's any way that you could have this perfect impression of these pebbles and the algae if it wasn't something that was liquid at first," she said. Corlett believes the blobs could be composed of a polymer because of the defined and immalleable impressions. She suggests that the liquid that formed the blobs may have come into contact with cold ocean water, causing it to solidify.
While handling the samples, Corlett experienced an unexpected reaction. "My arm started to feel itchy and that smell when I opened the bag it just hit me. It just smelled like something that I'd smelled before," she noted. Corlett, who is allergic to certain types of latex, described the odor as "sort of plasticky—definitely like a man-made product." Her lab at Memorial University doesn't have the capabilities to analyze the samples fully. "I am planning to get in touch with someone in the chemistry department who I think would have the tools to figure out if this is what it is—what my hypothesis is," she said. Corlett also intends to place the blob in a hot water bath to see if it turns into a liquid. "Again, I'm a geologist, so this is not my field of expertise, necessarily," she added.
Meanwhile, residents continue to speculate about the blobs' nature. Suggestions range from whale vomit and whale mucus to ambergris, a valuable substance produced by sperm whales used in perfumery. Others believe the masses could be paraffin wax from boats or possibly materials discharged at sea from tankers. Some even humorously proposed extraterrestrial origins, calling them alien feces or poo.
As investigations progress, the community remains both amused and concerned. The mystery of the bizarre blobs has not only captivated the imagination of locals but also drawn international attention. Authorities and scientists are working diligently to uncover the truth behind these enigmatic masses, hoping to determine whether they pose any risk to the environment or public health.
Sources: CBC News, France 24, Alrai-media, Dagbladet.no, ETtoday, Malay Mail
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq