In March 2011, a tsunami hit the coast of Japan washing an estimated 5 tons of debris into the ocean.  It is estimated that 70% of that debris sank near Japan. However the remaining 30% scattered into the ocean currents.  This created a debris field visible via satalite imagry.

Today these debris fields are no longer visible due to the wind and ocean currents which scattered them throught the North Pacific Ocean.  

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has used computer modeling to approximate the arrival of the debris onto the North American coast.  It is estimated that the North American Coast may find debris for years to come starting as early as winter 2011-2012.

As a coastal town, Marina residents and visitors who frequent the beach areas may encounter debris from the Japan inundation zone . 

It is important to educate yourself in what to do.

• Be Safe: Use common sense and follow general safety guidelines.   If you don't know what an item is, don't touch it.  If it appears hazardous, contact appropriate authorities.

Marine debris items or significant accumulations potentially related to the tsunami can be reported to Disaster with as much information as possible:

• Location
• Date and time you found the item
• Photos
• Any relevant descriptions

It is important to remember that not all debris found on U.S. shorelines is from Japan, so please use your discretion when reporting items.


Contact Information:

U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center
Toll Free: 1-800-424-8802
Online: www.nrc.uscg.mil/nrchp.html

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Command
Phone: 510-437-3701

You may download a printable .pdf flier with more information on Japan debris guidelines here.