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Nine Sydney Beaches Closed As Mysterious Debris Washes Ashore

Nine Sydney beaches, including Manly, were closed after mysterious white and grey debris washed ashore during peak holiday season.

Nine popular beaches in Sydney, including the iconic Manly Beach, were closed to bathers on Tuesday after small white and grey balls of debris washed up on the shores. The closures come during the peak of the summer holiday season, a time when Sydney’s pristine beaches are a major draw for locals and international tourists alike.

The Northern Beaches Council is working to safely remove the debris, describing most of the ball-shaped material as marble-sized, with some pieces larger. In a statement, the council urged beachgoers to avoid the affected areas, including Manly, Dee Why, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne, and North Narrabeen, until further notice.

Authorities are collaborating with the state’s environmental agency to investigate the nature of the debris. Samples have been collected for testing, and the council has advised the public to keep away from the material while clean-up efforts continue.

This is not the first time unusual debris has caused beach closures in Sydney. In October last year, several beaches, including the renowned Bondi Beach, were shut after thousands of black balls were found along the shores. An inquiry revealed that those balls were formed from fatty acids and other chemicals typically found in cosmetics, cleaning products, food waste, and wastewater.

The latest incident has raised concerns about pollution and its potential impact on Sydney’s coastline, famed for its golden sands and clean waters. While authorities work to determine the source of the current debris, the closure of these beaches is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in preserving Sydney’s natural beauty.

Melissa Enoch

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