Latest news with #ex-Cyclone
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Foul mess' expelling stomach-churning stench at popular Aussie beach after wild weather
Australians along the east coast are reporting an overwhelming "foul stench" emanating from a large number of decaying marine organisms that were "hammered off the rocks" by the recent wild weather. Although the effects of Cyclone Alfred have largely subsided, coastal residents are still voicing their concerns about the unpleasant odours they're encountering during beach walks. They say the unpleasant aroma lingers along the shoreline, where mountains of marine debris remain. One woman this week posted online from Sawtell Beach in NSW, described the sight as "a mess" and "pretty foul". Another said her local beach was almost unbearable, saying she'd never seen such scenes. "I braved the smell and managed a short walk in the afternoon and felt so sorry for the lifeguard who has had to endure it all day," she wrote. Dozens more weighed in from parts of Queensland's far south, saying they'd also experienced the same. Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts with Queensland's Centre for Marine Science is a seashore expert. He spoke to Yahoo News Australia and identified the organisms as displaced — a type of sea squirt — found around the edge of the low-tide mark that often forms mats over the rocks. "These were likely hammered off the rocks by huge waves, pummelled, and then hurled up onto the shore, where they've been left to rot—hence the smell," he explained. While the smell can be unpleasant, there is no evidence to suggest significant health risks directly associated with the presence of decomposing cunjevoi on beaches. Many locals described the sight "sad" due to the import role cunjevoi actually play in marine ecosystems, being filter-feeding invertebrates. Urgent warning as hundreds of toxic creatures wash ashore Public plea after disturbing discoveries on Aussie beaches Warning amid ex-Cyclone Alfred clean-up begins Although they resemble lumps of jelly-like rock, they are actually ascidians, a group of tunicates closely related to vertebrates. Cunjevoi filter plankton from seawater through their siphons and play a role in coastal ecosystems by providing habitat and food for various marine species. When exposed at low tide, they can squirt water if stepped on, which is how they got their name "sea squirts." After extreme weather events like cyclones, large numbers can be dislodged from rocks and wash ashore, where they die and decompose, releasing a foul smell. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Dad's incredibly rare find on Aussie beach worth over $59,000 a kilo
An Aussie dad claims to have stumbled across an extremely rare and potentially very valuable find while investigating ex-Cyclone Alfred's destructive wake. The anonymous man told Yahoo News Australia he recently took his family to a beach near the border of New South Wales and Queensland to see the 'damage and if anything interesting [had] washed up'. Much to his surprise, he uncovered even more than he'd hoped for. While picking up shells, the dad spotted what appeared to be a chunk of ambergris — a solid, waxy material substance produced in the intestine of less than 5 per cent of sperm whales. It is used for making perfume and is worth over $59,000 per kilogram based on previous sales. 'Because of its waxy texture and scent I instantly knew it was a whale by product,' the man said. 'I took it home and consulted some good friends from Australia and USA who are high ranked in fields of marine 'taxidermy' and a marine biology professor.' After speaking with his mates, the dad used an expert recommended method to test if it was indeed ambergris. When he placed a hot metal needle into the approximately 350g chunk, a small puff of smoke emerged, he said. After reviewing images of the possible treasure, Professor Michael Stoddart with the University of Tasmania, told Yahoo the 'material looks the right colour and texture for ambergris', though it would be helpful to see if there are any traces of squid beaks appearing in it. 'That would clinch it,' he said. Sperm whales secrete the waxy material to help prevent the sharp beaks of squid — their main diet — from damaging their gut as they digest. 'It's thus part of the whale's poo. The stuff is black when voided and smells disgustingly of faeces but becomes greyish white after years floating about in the ocean subject to the action of saltwater and sunlight. By then it smells of musty/dampness — like fungi, or like a forest floor does after summer rain,' he explained. While the discovery left the Queensland dad buzzing, Professor Stoddart cautioned other Aussies not to get too thrilled if they make a similar find. 'Most finds turn out not to be ambergris, so I'd caution anyone not to get too excited. Anyway, it can't legally be monetised in Australia so there's not much to get excited about!' he said. 🏝️ 'Frightful' discovery on beach some think could be worth a fortune 🌊 Hundreds of mysterious white blobs turn up on beaches 🦈 Tradie stunned as shark spotted in floodwaters metres from homes Under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 it is illegal to own, hold or sell ambergris because it's deemed to be part of an endangered species. If found, it 'should be reported' to the relevant state or territory environment department, with varying laws surrounding ambergris around the country, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water states. 'Any findings must be turned into the relevant state authority — usually the state's museum or parks and wildlife agency. Having it in your possession requires a licence granted to you by that body,' Professor Stoddart said, noting it is freely owned and traded in most countries except for Australia and the USA. The dad told Yahoo he is in the process of contacting authorities to get paperwork to keep his find. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
