Beachcombers experience Lake Superior whale burps
Plastic strands, grass and other lake litter form "whale burps" in lake shallows. Photo: Chris J. Benson
Winter winds over New Year’s Eve brought a “whiff” of whale burps, much to the curiosity of beachcombers.
But the stench was surprisingly absent.
The two whale burps were found by Duluth, Minn. resident Glenn Maxham’s son on Lake Superior’s beach over the holiday, according to Minnesota Sea Grant. Whale burps, also known as surf balls, form when nearshore shallows weave together a messy, entwined mix of plastic strands, feathers, pine needles, seaweed, shell pieces and other odds and ends.
The two found at the start of the year formed prickly balls of grass, plastic mesh and twigs.
Whale burps can reach sizes larger than an orange and grace other coastlines including those of Australia and Egypt. Despite their peculiar name and creation, researchers say plastic in water sources can be harmful to wildlife when ingested. Harmful chemicals that result, such as Bisphenol A, can interrupt biological processes including reproduction.
At last year’s 2010 Beach Sweep, about 33 percent of items snatched from the Lake Superior shoreline and watershed were plastic, said Great Lakes Aquarium education director Sarah Erickson.
Nasty, but kinda cool. Isn’t it better that it all binds up together that washing around seperately in the shallows??..andy
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A friend gave us an entire bag full of these of various sizes, found on the rocky shores of Lake Superior. We’ve created several one-of-a kind holiday ornaments with them, combined with beads and birch bark. They are $25 which includes shipping. Please reply to this comment!
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@Kricket
I’m interested in where on the shores of Lake Superior your treasures came from and what they look like. I write about things such as surf balls for Minnesota Sea Grant. Please contact me via the Minnesota Sea Grant Web site. Thanks! Sharon
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Couldn’t resist checking out what a “whale burp” was. Pretty pic but nasty contents. Kudos to you for posting.
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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1027/535377659_82b67a255f.jpg
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