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.