Leslie Massey
Whale vomit, or ambergris, is a solid, waxy, flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is a rare and valuable substance that has been used in perfumes, incense, medicine, and cooking. While it can be found floating in the ocean or washed up on coastlines, the export and import of ambergris for commercial purposes is banned in Australia under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Despite this, ambergris can still be of value to museums and universities in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it called? | Ambergris, whale vomit, ambergrease, grey amber |
| What is it? | A solid, waxy, flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales |
| Colour | Dull grey or black |
| Odor | Initially fecal, later sweet, earthy, and musky |
| Formation | It is formed in the intestine of the sperm whale to cover the indigestible objects from the animals on which it feeds (mostly the beaks of squid) |
| Rarity | Rare, only produced by sperm whales, and only by an estimated 1-5% of them |
| Uses | Used in perfumes, incense, medicine, and cooking |
| Legality in Australia | Illegal to handle, import, or export for commercial purposes |
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What You'll Learn
Ambergris, or 'whale vomit', is illegal to handle in Australia
Ambergris, sometimes referred to as "whale vomit", is a solid, waxy, flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is formed in the intestine of the whale to cover the indigestible objects from the animals on which it feeds, mostly the beaks of squid. It is only found in about 1-5% of these whales, making it a rare substance.
In Australia, it is illegal to handle ambergris. Under federal law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 bans the export and import of ambergris for commercial purposes. This law deems that any part of an endangered species is illegal to handle, and this includes ambergris. The various states and territories in Australia have additional laws regulating the possession of whale products and ambergris. For example, in Queensland, the Department of Environment and Science handles enquiries related to ambergris, while in New South Wales, it is the Department of Planning and Environment.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) considers ambergris a waste product of sperm whales that occurs naturally, making it legal to collect from the beach or sea in some countries. However, the trafficking of certain species has been responsible for their diminishing numbers in nature, and this includes whales. To protect whales from exploitation, the use of synthetic alternatives to ambergris is encouraged.
If you think you have found ambergris in Australia, you should report it to your state or territory's environment department. There are tests to determine if the substance is indeed ambergris, such as the "hot needle test", where a needle is poked into the substance and liquid is expected to ooze out. However, as many waxy objects melt when exposed to heat, this is not a definitive test. The distinct smell of ambergris, described as "a cross between squid and farmyard manure", is also an indicator.
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It is produced by sperm whales and is highly valued by perfume makers
Ambergris, commonly referred to as "whale vomit", is a solid, waxy, flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is formed from a secretion of the bile duct in the intestines of the sperm whale, which can sometimes be found in the abdomens of dead sperm whales. It is speculated that an ambergris mass too large to be passed through the intestines is expelled via the mouth, although this remains under debate.
Sperm whales feed primarily on giant squid, which live at 1,000 or more meters deep. These squid have large, thick, heavy, parrot-like beaks that can get stuck in the whale's stomach, causing a blockage. This results in the secretion of an oily, greasy, heavy mass by the whale's stomach lining, which wraps around the sharp beak to allow it to pass through the gut without tearing it.
Ambergris has been highly valued by perfume makers due to its fixative properties, allowing the scent of the perfume to last much longer. It has also been used in cooking, such as in Turkish coffee and hot chocolate in 18th-century Europe, and as an aphrodisiac in some cultures.
However, due to the rarity of ambergris and the legal ambiguity surrounding its collection, perfume makers have largely replaced it with synthetic alternatives like ambroxide. The trade of ambergris is illegal in some countries, such as Australia and the United States, due to its association with endangered species.
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It can be identified by its waxy texture and strong smell
Ambergris, commonly known as "whale vomit", can be identified by its waxy texture and strong smell. It is a solid, waxy, flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. While freshly produced ambergris has a marine, faecal odour, it acquires a sweet, earthy scent as it ages, commonly likened to the fragrance of isopropyl alcohol. The longer it floats in the sea, the waxier it gets.
The process of ambergris formation begins when a sperm whale consumes a giant squid, which lives at 1,000 or more meters deep. The indigestible beak of the squid gets stuck in the whale's stomach, leading to a blockage in the lower gut. In response, the whale's stomach lining secretes an oily, greasy mass to tangle up the sharp beak, allowing it to pass through the gut safely. However, sometimes this mass gets stuck, causing a fatal blockage. This results in the release of a huge mass of ambergris, either through the front or back end of the whale.
Due to its rare occurrence and unique properties, ambergris has been highly valued by perfume makers as a fixative that prolongs the scent of fragrances. It has also been used in cooking, medicine, and as an aphrodisiac in various cultures. However, due to its association with endangered species, the trade and possession of ambergris are illegal in some countries, including Australia and the United States.
Despite its illegal status in Australia, ambergris continues to be a valuable commodity for museums and universities within the country. Those who discover ambergris on Australian beaches are advised to report it to their state or territory's environment department. While it may be tempting to collect and trade this "floating gold", doing so without the proper documentation can result in substantial penalties.
Identifying ambergris can be challenging, but there are a few tests that can be performed. One test is the ""hot needle test", where a hot needle is poked into the substance, and if liquid oozes out, it may be ambergris. Another indication is the presence of a strong, unique odour that becomes more pleasant and musky as the substance dries out. Additionally, ambergris is often found covered with a soft white layer that resembles cotton wool, and it may have a waxy texture with objects trapped within.
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It is found floating in the ocean or washed up on coastlines
Whale vomit, or ambergris, is a solid, waxy, flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is formed in the intestine of the whale to cover the indigestible objects from the animals on which it feeds, mostly the beaks of squid. It is sometimes found in the abdomens of dead sperm whales.
Ambergris is highly prized and valued by perfume makers as a fixative that allows the scent to last much longer. It has been used for flavouring in Turkish coffee and hot chocolate, and in ancient Egypt, it was burned as incense. It is also considered an aphrodisiac in some cultures.
When expelled from the whale, ambergris usually exits as faecal matter, but it can also be vomited up. It then floats in the ocean, turning from a "lump of poo" that smells of faeces into a waxy substance that has incorporated the varied scents of the sea. The longer it floats in the sea, the waxier it gets.
If you are in Australia, it is important to note that the trade of ambergris is illegal under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. If you find ambergris, you should report the find to your state or territory's environment department.
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It is rare, so finding it could be lucrative
Ambergris, commonly known as "whale vomit", is a solid, waxy, flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is rare, with only about 1-5% of sperm whales producing it. It is formed in the intestine of the whale to cover the indigestible objects from the animals on which it feeds, mostly the beaks of squid. It is released as faecal matter but can also be vomited out, which is where it gets its nickname "whale vomit".
Due to its rarity, ambergris is highly valued and sought after. It has been used in expensive perfumes as a fixative, allowing the scent to last much longer. It has also been used as a flavouring agent in Turkish coffee and hot chocolate, as an aphrodisiac, and in traditional medicine. Its value has led people to search for it, even using dogs to help find it due to their keen sense of smell.
In Australia, the trade of ambergris is illegal under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This law bans the export and import of ambergris for commercial purposes. However, it is still valuable to museums and universities within the country. If you find ambergris in Australia, you should report it to your state or territory's environment department.
Despite the illegality of the ambergris trade in Australia, it is still possible to find it washed up on beaches or floating in the ocean. It can be identified by its appearance, which is usually a grey or blackish colour, and its distinct smell, which has been described as "a cross between squid and farmyard manure". It may also have a soft white layer on the outside that resembles cotton wool.
While finding ambergris in Australia could be lucrative due to its rarity and value, it is important to be aware of the legal restrictions surrounding its possession and trade in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Whale vomit, or ambergris, is a solid, waxy, flammable substance of a dull grey or black colour produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is highly valued by perfume makers as a fixative that allows the scent to last much longer.
Whale vomit can be found floating on the sea or washed up on coastlines in Australia. However, it is important to note that the commercial trade of whale vomit is banned in the country. If you find ambergris, you should report it to your state or territory's environment department.
Whale vomit can be identified by its distinct odour, which has been described as "a cross between squid and farmyard manure". It may also appear hard or waxy, with objects trapped within, and sometimes covered with a soft white layer that resembles cotton wool.
