Information from vessels transiting between Japan and North America is critical to tracking the debris from the tsunami that devastated Japan in March 2011, according to the World Ocean Council (WOC).
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 north-western 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.
The WOC, working in conjunction with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is encouraging ships to submit observations and photos of marine debris – as well as reports of 'no debris observed'. Reports should be forwarded to the NOAA at DisasterDebris@noaa.gov.
"NOAA is leading efforts to collect data, assess the debris and reduce possible impacts to our natural resources and coastal communities," said David Kennedy, NOAA assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service. "Information from vessels operating in the North Pacific will provide vital documentation of the movement of the tsunami debris, and we appreciate the WOC's help in reaching out to the ocean industry and vessel operators who can assist with gathering this data."
"Reporting on the tsunami debris is an important and immediate opportunity for leadership companies to support the better understanding our changing oceans," stated WOC executive director Paul Holthus. "Commercial vessels of all sorts provide a cost-effective platform for collecting ocean, weather and climate data where few other options exist. The WOC is working to co-ordinate and scale up this valuable role of industry observations through our 'Smart Ocean/Smart Industries' program."
