Mysterious white goo baffles Newfoundland beaches

Residents of Newfoundland have expressed concern over the appearance of a mysterious white goo on local beaches. The scale of the phenomenon has prompted Canadian authorities to begin an investigation to determine the nature of this unusual discovery.

The issue was reported by the BBC, which interviewed local ecologist Stan Tobin, who is involved in the investigation. He describes the strange substance as resembling failed bread dough and emitting a smell similar to vegetable oil.

The first reports of the white goo began arriving at local authorities in early September. Despite the time that has passed, its origin has not been definitively determined. Typically, the portions found on the beaches are ball-shaped and have a diameter of about 6 inches.

Local residents have speculated on the substance's identity, suggesting it might be mold or fungus, palm oil, wax, or even a valuable and sought-after substance—ambergris, which is a secretion from the sperm whale's digestive tract that is highly prized by perfume makers.

There was also a hypothesis that it could be a raw ingredient for a regional delicacy called toutons, which is dough fried in pork fat. However, this assumption was not confirmed.

The investigation is being handled by representatives of Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Canadian government department responsible for climate and environmental policy. According to officials from this department, the white goo is not a petroleum-based hydrocarbon, oil-based grease, or biofuel.

Further analysis has ruled out the possibility of it being a type of marine sponge, and more detailed studies have confirmed that it does not contain biological material. Commenting on the matter and the lack of an official explanation, Stan Tobin remarked, "Somebody or somebodies know where this came from and how it got there. And knows well it's not supposed to be here."