Japan Tsunami Debris

Marine debris is a global problem, and reducing the impact of marine debris on natural resources requires effective communication and collaboration between many different actors.  

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) actively works with many partners to locate and remove debris in and around aquatic environments, and your efforts in communicating the location of the debris you found helps in the global effort to eliminate marine debris in the world's oceans.  

As you have probably seen, there is quite a bit of information in the public regarding Japan tsunami marine debris, some of it is misleading or not explained properly. NOAA has a web page up on our site with updated information on Japan tsunami marine debris, and any help you can provide in getting our web page and information out there would be greatly appreciated.

As a result of the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March of 2011, NOAA expects a portion of the debris that the tsunami washed into the ocean to reach U.S. and Canadian shores over the next several years.

As you may already know, it is very difficult to discern debris from the Japan tsunami event. Debris on or above the surface of the water may be particularly influenced by winds, causing faster rates of movement. We are working with numerous modelers to figure this out, as well as other partners to see if we can source-identify the debris that has been reported. Our findings will be published on our website, listed above.

Official Sponsor of Tsunami Marine Debris Mini Grant to the Pacifica Beach Coalition: the California Coastal Commission. Major Statewide Sponsors: Cliff Bar, Oracle, Crystal Geyser, Whole Foods, NOAA, EMA.