Nine Sydney beaches closed after discovery of mystery debris balls

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Manly and Dee Why beaches are among nine closed across the northern beaches after the discovery of mysterious ball-shaped debris.

Northern Beaches Council was notified today by the NSW Environment Protection Authority that the balls had washed up across the coast, a council statement said.

Nine beaches have been closed after the balls were discovered. Credit: Northern Beaches Council

Manly, Dee Why, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne and North Narrabeen are closed.

It comes after thousands of similar balls were found across Sydney’s eastern suburbs last year, shutting down Coogee and Bondi beaches.

After extensive testing, the objects were found to be made of a combination of fatty acids, petroleum hydrocarbons (likely shipping fuel), hair, food waste and other materials associated with wastewater.

The balls found in the eastern suburbs were black, while the balls found in the northern beaches are white and grey, the council said.

“Council was alerted to the debris via the EPA and is working closely with the state agency to collect samples for testing,” the statement said.

Manly Beach was closed due to the discovery of debris balls.

Manly Beach was closed due to the discovery of debris balls.Credit: Facebook

“So far, most samples identified are marble-sized, with a few larger in size. The council is organising the safe removal of the matter and is inspecting other beaches.”

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