Mysterious white spots are washing ashore in large numbers, and no one knows what they are.

In recent months, strange white spots have been spotted along the coast of Newfoundland in Canada. The Coast Guard has surveyed the area and notes that unknown structures are visible along nearly 50 kilometers of coastline. Unfortunately, scientists still do not know what they are, reports IFLScience.

The Canadian government is conducting its own investigation but is not yet ready to draw conclusions. Meanwhile, a group of scientists examining the mysterious droplets claims that some of them contain a mixture of synthetic rubber and industrial adhesive.

It is known that the investigation into these enigmatic masses is being handled by the government agency Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The first reports from local residents came in early September. According to agency spokesperson Samantha Bayard, a team of researchers was dispatched to the scene to collect samples after reports of the mysterious droplets surfaced.

Bayard also stated that preliminary analysis indicated that the strange droplets might have a plant origin; however, further testing is required for confirmation. It has been reported that agency researchers conducted several aerial, underwater, and manual surveys of the beaches and shoreline in the area. Scientists hope to determine the extent of the substance, its origin, and potential source.

Local resident Dave McGart mentioned that he has lived here for 67 years and has never encountered anything like this in his lifetime. The man also stated that the Coast Guard arrived on the shore, reporting that strange white spots had been observed over a stretch of 46 kilometers of coastline.

A team of scientists from Memorial University analyzed samples and reached their own conclusions. According to Dr. Hilary Corlett, the samples were collected in Placentia Bay and sent to Dr. Chris Kozak, a professor in the chemistry department.

Kozak noted that the first thing they did was touch and smell the samples. The scientists found that the mysterious droplets were definitely rubbery and somewhat resembled dough. The team hypothesized that they were made from an elastomeric polymer, with a scent reminiscent of a solvent.

Next, the scientists conducted analyses of the samples to determine their chemical composition. The results indicated the absence of nitrogen and sulfur, ruling out polyurethane and naturally occurring materials. Infrared spectroscopy initially suggested that their droplet samples might contain sticky polyvinyl acetate (PVA), while mass spectrometric testing indicated that they could also contain synthetic rubber.

Kozak pointed out that the analysis of smaller components corresponds to PVA glue as well as synthetic latex rubber. Consequently, the scientists concluded that they were looking at a mixture of synthetic isoprene and butyl rubber with PVA.

However, the scientists acknowledge that more samples need to be studied, as other droplets may likely have different compositions. Meanwhile, the Canadian Ministry of the Environment stated that it is not ready to share hypotheses regarding the composition and source of the mysterious droplets—they will announce their findings after the research is completed.