Debris from the tsunami that claimed nearly 16,000 lives has increased on coastal beaches in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has been involved in the clean-up and monitoring of the debris, Japanese detritus will show up on North American shores for the next several years. Where and what types of debris might arrive is unknown.
“It is expected that the outer coast will experience much greater impacts than the islands, but it is likely that some debris will make its way to island beaches in the years to come,” said Brendan Cowan, director of the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management.
The tsunami hit Japan in March 2011. As of July 2, NOAA has received 569 reports of potential tsunami debris both along West Coast shorelines and from sightings at sea – including 43 from Washington during the month of July.
Several items have been confirmed as tsunami debris such as a 20-foot fiberglass boat that washed ashore at Cape Disappointment State Park near Ilwaco on June 15. One oceanographer expects that human bones may wash up on northwest shores.
The Japanese government estimated that the tsunami swept about five million tons of debris into the ocean, but that 70 percent sank off shore, leaving one and a half million tons floating.
NOAA officials said it is difficult to tell the origin of ocean debris without unique identifying information, such as an individual or company name or boat identification number.
“No confirmed reports of tsunami debris here [San Juan County] that I’m aware of,” Cowan said. “People have found some possible items but it was common to find marine debris from Japan on local beaches, even before the tsunami.”
The Washington Department of Health has reported that it is highly unlikely any tsunami debris is radioactive. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said that marine debris with invasive species attached will be rare and found only on large, common marine structures like boats, docks, navigation aids and breakwaters.
“People will probably find organisms attached on smaller debris items – sometimes in heavy accumulations – but these will be common open ocean species such as gooseneck barnacles,” said FWS officials in a press release.
According to Cowan, there isn’t a particular “concern” for islanders, other than keeping beaches clean.
“It remains to be seen how much debris makes its way to the islands – best science says it won’t be a large impact, but you never know – and if the volume becomes heavy we may need to organize some special clean-up efforts but we’re not there now,” Cowan said. “There’s a lot of work being done on the outer coast and at the state and federal level to respond to debris issue, which will help us if it becomes a local problem.”
There has been criticism that there is not enough money for this slow moving environmental disaster. Members of Congress are asking the federal government for more than $40 million. Last week NOAA allocated $250,000 to the five affected states; a maximum of $50,000 each.
According to NOAA’s website, the agency is working to assess and plan for the debris.
NOAA officials recommend removing and disposing of small debris items such as Styrofoam, plastic bottles or small appliances. If an item appears to have sentimental value to those who owned it, move the item to a safe place, take photos to note the location, and email the information to disasterdebreis@noaa.gov.
You can also call 1-855-WACOAST (1-855-922-6278) to report oil and hazardous items and large floating debris items that might pose a boating or navigation hazard. The hotline will also provide instructions for reporting debris that is not large or hazardous.
