Tsunami debris threat

Information from vessels transiting between Japan and North America is critical to tracking the debris from the tsunami that devastated Japan on 11 March 2011. Ships are encouraged to submit observations and photos of marine debris, as well as reports of ‘no debris observed’, to: DisasterDebris@noaa.gov

Marine debris generated by the tsunami is predicted to move across the North Pacific toward North America and Hawaii. Forecasts indicate that debris remaining afloat could reach the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands during the current winter and arrive at the west coast of North America in 2013.

However, there is still substantial uncertainty over exactly how much and what types of debris are still floating and where it is located. The initial debris fields observed soon after the tsunami have dispersed. The types of debris that may still be afloat include vessels, fishing nets and buoys, lumber, cargo containers, and household goods.

A 15m fishing boat was reportedly sighted floating unoccupied some 170 miles off the coast of British Columbia late last month by a patrolling aircraft. It is believed to be the first large item of tsunami debris to have crossed the Pacific. Japanese officials said the boat was known to be missing from Hokkaido, as was its owner. The Canadian transport ministry is monitoring the vessel as a potential marine pollution or safety of navigation threat.

For more information on the tsunami marine debris issue, visit: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/info/japanfaqs.html