Tsunami Debris

Japan Tsunami Debris Information

The enormous quantities of marine debris generated by Japan’s tsunami disaster of 2011 naturally left many in Washington State wondering when it would start washing up on our shores and whether to be concerned about any unusal hazards.

Scientific forecasting models are only sophisticated guesses, so estimates vary as to debris arrival times, locations, and quantities. But in no case is the debris expected to be hazardous in any special way. The media continue to report tsunami debris on our coast, including the recent arrival of a large dock. Download this NOAA Japan Tsunami Flyer for quick reference or review the answers to these frequently asked questions, as provided by our friends at the NOAA Marine Debris Program:

• When will debris from the tsunami in Japan reach the U.S.?
• Why is debris arriving now if scientists think it will take years?
• Are there really 25 million tons of debris coming this way? Is there a debris field?
• Is the debris radioactive?
• What about navigational safety hazards created by the tsunami debris?
• What is NOAA doing about the tsunami-generated marine debris?
• How can we begin monitoring the shore or report sightings of tsunami debris?
• Why isn’t this considered an emergency yet?
• Where can I find additional information on tsunamis?

SEEN ANY TSUNAMIS DEBRIS? REPORT IT!
Information on significant marine debris sightings in the North Pacific Ocean and on the coast is greatly needed and can be reported to the NOAA Marine Debris Program at DisasterDebris@noaa.gov