Nine Sydney beaches closed after discovery of mystery balls

The beaches will be closed “until further notice” as the EPA works to identify the cause of bizarre debris that has washed ashore.

Nine beaches in Sydney’s north have been closed after mysterious balls of debris washed ashore.

The marble-sized balls of debris washed up on Tuesday, the Northern Beaches Council said, prompting the closure of nine popular beaches.

Beachgoers are being urged to avoid Manly, Dee Why, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne and North Narrabeen beaches “until further notice”.

The council said it was alerted to the debris by the Environment Protection Agency, (EPA), and are working closely with them to collect samples for testing.

Nine beaches in Sydney’s north have been closed after mysterious balls of debris washed ashore. Picture: Supplied

The marble-sized balls of debris washed up on Tuesday, the Northern Beaches Council said, prompting the closure of nine popular beaches. Picture: Supplied

“So far, most samples identified are marble-sized with a few larger in size,” the council said.

“Council is organising the safe removal of the matter and is inspecting other beaches.”

However, despite multiple warning signs in place at Manly Beach, many swimmers were still spotted in the water on Tuesday afternoon.

Images from the beach revealed signs which read “beach closed” and “polluted water”, but it didn’t stop keen swimmers.

It comes just months after a handful of other beaches in Sydney were closed due to the discovery of what is believed to have been ‘tar balls’.

The debris was reported to the EPA in early December after the discovery at Silver Beach in Kurnell.

In October a handful of beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs were closed due to the discover of ‘tar balls’.

Manly Beach on Tuesday. Nine beaches are closed across the Northern Beaches after white/grey, ball-shaped debris was found washed up along the shore. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Manly Beach on Tuesday. Nine beaches are closed across the Northern Beaches after white/grey, ball-shaped debris was found washed up along the shore. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

They were first discovered along a stretch of Coogee Beach, but were later found at other nearby beaches including Gordons Bay, Maroubra Beach and Clovelly Beach.

“Tar balls” form when oil comes into contact with debris and water — typically the result of oil spills or seepage.

Anyone who notices debris on other beaches is encouraged to contact Northern Beaches Council.