Unsightly pollution marks have appeared along the Fraser Coast in Queensland, sparking concern for the health of local wildlife.
Pollution pox marks, dubbed "oil patties", in a variety of sizes began washing up along the 50 kilometre coastline between the Maheno Shipwreck and Dilli Village yesterday afternoon.
A park ranger made the initial discovery and triggered clean-up crews to spring into action.
Environment Minister Steven Miles said a helicopter had searched the nearby ocean but was "unable to identify an oil spill".
"However, oil like this could travel below the water," Mr Miles warned.
Initial investigations have determined there have been no significant damage to wildlife, but there are ongoing fears for the health for turtle hatchlings.
"Female turtles are starting to come in to lay their eggs, especially around Bundaberg. We'll soon be having turtle hatchlings in the water," Richard Leck from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said.
"The impact of having potentially heavy oil in the water could be significant," Mr Leck added.
Investigations into the vessel responsible for the spill are ongoing.
"Initial information suggests dozens of boats have traversed the stretch of ocean in the time which the spill had occurred," Mr Miles said.
A further 20 crew members will be dispatched to further assist with removing the oil marks from the coastline, authorities reported.