Tarballs on Palisades Beach; Adak Island, Alaska

Adak, AK, USA | 2026-Jul-22

Initial Notification: A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service technician discovered tarballs on Palisades Beach, Adak Island. Noted were tarballs up to 15 cm across, as well as thinly but regularly spread small oil droplets. The tarballs were slightly more solid than cold molasses, beading to thicknesses up to 1 cm. No oiled or dead birds or wildlife were observed. The area is heavily used by glaucous-winged gulls and common eiders. The U.S. Coast Guard requested assistance from NOAA in finding a source and next steps for the response.