A Sticky Situation: Tar Balls on Treasure Coast Beaches

Earlier in February 2025, several beaches along Florida's Treasure Coast experienced an unexpected environmental concern: the appearance of tar balls washing ashore. These small, dark pieces of oil, often sticky in nature, prompted temporary beach closures and raised questions about their origin.

Discovery and Immediate Response

Beachgoers around South Florida including as far north as Jaycee Beach and other Indian River County beaches reported encountering black, oily globules scattered along the shoreline. In response, local authorities, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Environmental Protection, initiated investigations to determine the source of these tar balls. Aerial and marine assessments were conducted; however, the exact origin remained elusive. Despite the initial concern, beaches were reopened after thorough evaluations deemed them safe for public use.

What is a Tar Ball?

A tar ball is a small, dark, sticky glob of oil that forms when crude oil or petroleum products enter the ocean. Over time, the oil weathers due to exposure to sunlight, waves, and bacteria, turning into a more solid, tar-like consistency. These tar balls can vary in size from tiny specks to several inches across and often wash up on beaches.

Where Do Tar Balls Come From?

Tar balls can originate from multiple sources, including:

• Oil spills: Accidental spills from tankers, pipelines, or offshore drilling rigs can break down into tar balls that drift to shore.

  
  

• Natural oil seeps: Some ocean floors naturally release crude oil, which can form tar balls over time.

  
  

• Marine vessel discharges: Ships sometimes discharge oil into the sea, either illegally or accidentally.

  
  

• Old oil remnants: Some tar balls are remnants of previous spills that have persisted in the environment.

Are Tar Balls Dangerous?

While small tar balls are generally not considered hazardous to humans, they can be sticky and difficult to remove from skin and clothing though soap and water typically does the trick. Direct contact is not recommended, as some tar balls may contain toxic substances. They can also harm wildlife, as birds and marine animals may ingest or become entangled in them.

Community Impact and Safety Measures

The sudden appearance of tar balls disrupted typical beach activities, catching many off guard in a way that was reminiscent of a candy bar in the pool incident from a certain movie, and led to temporary closures and advisories. Residents and visitors were cautioned to avoid direct contact with the tar and to report any sightings to local authorities. Environmental teams were dispatched to clean affected areas, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the beaches before reopening them to the public.

Ongoing Investigations

As of now, the precise source of the tar balls remains unidentified. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor the situation, collaborating with environmental agencies to trace the origin and prevent future occurrences. While natural seepage is a possibility, the investigation also considers potential links to maritime activities in the region.

The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within marine ecosystems and the importance of vigilant environmental monitoring to protect Florida's treasured coastlines.

If you notice tar balls on the beaches, you should call the U. S. Coast Guard at 800-424-8802.