Coolum Beach, Qld

There seems to be no agreement over what causes the froth. Some say it is a natural occurrence that has been happening for 50 years and is caused by wind and wave action breaking down the cells of brown algae. Others say that it is getting worse and run-off, including motor oils, are bonding to it making the foam stickier and darker in colour. We also heard stories about it being caused by recent coral spawning and other stories about the recent oil spill being the cause of it. Surely someone is studying this to work out the cause?