Description
The sperm whale and the squid
The sperm whale is the only whale species known to produce ambergris. The sperm whale has a range that encompasses the globe, so ambergris can be found on the shorelines of many countries, though it is more commonly associated with tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Sperm whales were hunted to near extinction during the whaling days. They are now listed as an endangered species and are fully protected. Although they are no longer hunted commercially, their populations are still considered to be in a fragile state. The sperm whale population may be affected by other factors such as overfishing, which depletes their food supply, by pollution and changes to the ocean environment. Even today much of the life and times of the sperm whale remain a mystery, as they live and feed in the deepest depths of the ocean where they hunt the giant squid
Ambergris was first thought to be produced as vomit by the whale. However, modern research has confirmed that ambergris is not regurgitated by the whale as vomit. Instead it forms in the lower regions of the animal in the intestines and/or bowel.
The precise function and mechanism for the production of ambergris is still disputed but it may play some role in protecting the whale from the sharp beaks of the squid.
Squid are a staple part of the sperm whale diet. The squid have hard, sharp “parrot like” beaks which are unable to be digested by the whale. In response; the whale may produce the ambergris as a means of binding together and eliminating these indigestible beaks. Squid beaks are often found inside pieces of ambergris.
Beachcombing for ambergris
Ambergris is a valuable commodity, in part due to its rarity and the uncertainty of supply. There are lucky finds resulting in the purchase of a dream home or world trip. Then there are the bitter disappointments; “the close but no cigar stories” when the earnest beachcomber discovers his unusual find is just a piece of tar or other flotsam. Nevertheless, it pays to keep an eagle eye out while walking along the beach. Many pieces are collected from NZ beaches every year. Imagine going to the beach and finding piles of hundred dollar notes. Would you stop to pick them up? If you find a strange bit of flotsam on your next trip to the beach; remember to take a second look. If it turns out to be ambergris, you may be able to say “goodbye” to the mortgage or fund that world trip.
