Beach debris ball investigation
The EPA is continuing to investigate reports of debris balls in NSW and to collect samples for testing.
We have a wide range of expert resources committed to this work, including technical experts in pollution matters and specialist investigators. We are exploring all lines of enquiry including potential connections to previous incidents.
Reported locations
Our investigations include the following locations, where there have been confirmed reports of debris balls:
- January 2025 – Northern Beaches
- December 2024 – Silver Beach in Kurnell, South Coast beaches (Bombo Beach in Kiama, 1080 Beach and Pooles Beach at Mystery Bay)
- October 2024 – Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, Congwong, Frenchmans, Little Bay, Malabar and Tamarama beaches
Results
6 November
The EPA released initial results which found the balls contained mainly fatty acids, a small portion of petroleum hydrocarbons, and other materials, including human hair and various fibres.
2 December
Final petroleum hydrocarbon and biomarker analysis released on 2 December also showed some petroleum hydrocarbons in the balls.
Despite lengthy analysis of the chemical composition of the balls by the EPA and the University of NSW, as well as examination of weather patterns and ocean currents by NSW Maritime, we have not been able to determine where the balls originated from.
More information
If the community sees debris balls in any other locations, they should report it to Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au.
For information on beach closures in your area visit your local council website.
Frequently asked questions
At this stage, it is unclear what is causing the debris balls to form.
The EPA’s initial investigations have not yet identified the origin of debris balls that washed up on Eastern Suburbs’ beaches in 2024, despite extensive scientific analysis.
The debris balls found on beaches in the Northern Beaches Council area share some physical characteristics with the Eastern Suburbs’ debris balls, however, we cannot draw any conclusions until all scientific analysis has been finalised.
Test results show that debris balls found on Bombo Beach, Kiama in November are similar in chemical composition to samples taken from Coogee Beach and consist mostly of fatty acids and petroleum hydrocarbons.
The EPA regulates and responds to pollution incidents where it is the responsible authority. This involves investigating pollution incidents alleged to have caused actual or potential environmental harm and taking regulatory action where necessary.
The decision to continue an investigation is based on several factors, including the nature and circumstances of the incident, any potential offences that may have been committed, available evidence, and the severity of harm to human health and the environment.
For more information about which organisations regulate specific types of pollution and the appropriate agencies to report pollution incidents to, see here.
As managers of public land, local councils in New South Wales (NSW) are responsible for the management and maintenance of beaches within their local government areas.
Part of this responsibility includes deciding whether to close or open a beach. These decisions are made based on the council’s risk management framework, which includes assessing whether a beach is safe for public use.
Councils are in charge of maintaining beach cleanliness, which includes removing litter, debris and natural waste. They also address localised pollution events, collaborating with the EPA and other relevant government agencies as required.
Anyone who suspects they have found debris balls at the beach should avoid touching them and immediately report the find to the relevant local council or the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.