Ambergris, often called “floating gold,” is a rare and mysterious substance. This waxy material forms naturally and can be found drifting in oceans or washed ashore.
What is Ambergris
Ambergris is a solid, waxy substance that originates in the digestive system of sperm whales. It forms around indigestible items from the whale’s diet, such as the hard beaks of squid and cuttlefish, which the whale’s body encapsulates with a waxy secretion. Over time, this mass is expelled into the ocean, where it floats and cures due to exposure to sun, air, and saltwater. This curing process transforms its initial fecal odor into a sweet, earthy, and musky aroma. Ambergris has historically been valued in the perfumery industry for its fixative properties, which extend the life of fragrances.
Legality of Finding Ambergris in the USA
While ambergris is a natural product, its legal status in the United States is complex due to the protection of sperm whales, an endangered species. Federal laws like the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 govern marine mammals and their products. These acts prohibit the taking, possession, or trade of products derived from endangered or protected marine mammals, including ambergris found in U.S. waters. This means that even if ambergris is found naturally washed ashore, collecting or possessing it in the USA is generally illegal. The legal stance aims to prevent any activity that might directly or indirectly harm whale populations, as differentiating legally found ambergris from that obtained through illegal means is difficult.
How to Identify Ambergris
Identifying ambergris involves examining its physical and sensory characteristics. Genuine ambergris is typically a waxy, often irregular lump, with colors ranging from black to grey, brown, or even white and yellow. Its texture can vary; fresh pieces might be soft and sticky, while aged pieces become hard, brittle, and dense. Its evolving smell is a key indicator: initially, it may have a strong, unpleasant fecal or marine odor, but with prolonged exposure to the ocean, it develops a complex, sweet, earthy, and musky fragrance. Ambergris floats in saltwater, and if a hot needle is pressed into it, it should melt into a sticky, oily residue with a pleasant scent; small, black squid beaks are also common to find embedded within the substance.
Steps After Finding Ambergris
If you believe you have found ambergris in the USA, understand that collecting, keeping, or selling it is illegal due to federal protections for sperm whales under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Instead of disturbing or collecting the substance, you should immediately report your discovery to the relevant authorities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, or your state’s wildlife agencies, are the appropriate contacts. Experts from these agencies will verify the find and handle it according to legal protocols, potentially using it for scientific research on marine mammals. Attempting to possess or sell ambergris can result in substantial fines and other legal penalties.