• Nine beaches in Sydney were closed after debris identified as small white and grey balls washed ashore.
• Authorities worked swiftly to remove the debris and investigate its source, advising bathers to stay away.
• Seven of the nine beaches have since reopened, while two remain closed pending further testing.

Beaches in Sydney, Australia, including the popular Manly Beach, faced closures following the appearance of small, spherical balls of debris, described as "grease balls". On Tuesday, nine beaches were closed due to safety concerns as the debris began washing up on the shores during peak summer vacation time. The composition of the washed-up materials, reported mainly to be white and grey in color and roughly the size of marbles, prompted Sydney’s Northern Beaches Council to initiate a clean-up and investigation.

Following a rapid response, seven of the affected beaches, including Queenscliff, Freshwater, and North Narrabeen, reopened by Wednesday morning. However, two beaches—Dee Why and South Curl Curl—remain closed as testing of the debris samples is ongoing. The Northern Beaches Mayor, Sue Heins, expressed gratitude towards clean-up crews for their swift action and stated, "We will continue to monitor the beaches' condition".

The cause of the deposits has not been confirmed. Sydney Water has stated that it is working with New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to evaluate the debris. Previous incidents in October led to similar beach closures, where investigations revealed that black balls found on the shores were largely composed of fatty acids and materials related to human waste byproducts. The EPA commented that they are "still awaiting" final testing results from adjacent areas and stressed caution by advising beachgoers not to touch the debris.

For continuing updates, check the full coverage on The Guardian and SCMP.