# Tsunami Debris Cleanup Efforts by U.S. Agencies

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/debris-tsunami-monthly-bulletin-epa-noaa-begins/
- Published: 2011-11-08T18:20:13-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Talk about debris tsunami. I mean it’s so bad that the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and also other federal agencies are teaming up. That’s to document and also
track potential marine debris generated by the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Especially
in March.

## EPA plus NOAA

EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, first of all, will 
issue a monthly bulletin. For that’s to keep key stakeholders informed about activities.
This is an effort resulting from an EPA lead marine debris workshop. One that was
also held in June in Honolulu.

The workshop, part of the regular Oceania Regional Response Team meeting. For they
also explored options for a coordinated response to the tsunami debris.  The ORRT,
comprised of federal, state and U.S. Territory agencies.  Now it also has an area
of responsibility that includes:

 1. Hawaii
 2. Guam
 3. American Samoa
 4. and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

![Debris from a collapsed structure with people surveying the scene](https://i0.
wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-photo-15558948.jpg?resize
=200%2C300&quality=52&ssl=1)

Destruction caused by a tsunami, with people surveying the debris.

![A team of environmental workers in uniforms cleaning marine debris from a beach
including plastic waste and items like ropes and a soccer ball highlighting efforts
to address tsunami debris](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2011/11/IMG_9660-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "IMG_9660 - The Green Living
Guy")

### Follow up meetings

Follow up meetings resulted in a coordinated strategy for reporting of debris sightings.
An advisory was also issued to U.S. flag vessels at the end of September. That by
the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). For that was
requesting voluntary reporting of significant debris sightings. All moreover though
the open [ocean](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/11/palau-protections-cause-tsunami-for-major-sunscreen-manufacturers/).
This is all to better characterize the extent and also the nature of this debris
field.

In March 2011 the Japanese tsunami released debris report. It is estimated to be
most noteworthy in the millions of tons into the Pacific Ocean.  For the University
of Hawaii scientists have also developed computer models. Those that predict debris
from the tsunami. For it could potentially reach Hawaii by March 2012. In addition,
the U.S. West Coast by March 2013.

![A close up image of a weathered soccer ball showing dirt and markings possibly
related to debris from the 2011 japan tsunami](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_2266.jpeg?resize=300%2C225&quality=52&ssl=1 "
Soccer ball lost in tsunami found in Alaska - The Green Living Guy")

Soccer ball from Tsunami Photo by David Baxter

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

For more information on EPA Region 9’s marine debris efforts and also to subscribe
to the Tsunami Debris Bulletin. Please [receive it via email visit](https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters):
[http://www.epa.gov/region9/marine-debris/](http://www.epa.gov/region9/marine-debris/)

For more information on Tsunami Debris and the NOAA Marine Debris [Program](https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/current-efforts/emergency-response/japan-tsunami-marine-debris)
visit:
[http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/info/japanfaqs.html and http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/welcome.html&nbsp](http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/info/japanfaqs.html and http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/welcome.html&nbsp);
[Welcome Page ](https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/)

For the U.S. DOT’s Advisory visit: [http://www.marad.dot.gov/news_room_landing_page/maritime_advisories/advisory/advisory2011-06.htm](http://www.marad.dot.gov/news_room_landing_page/maritime_advisories/advisory/advisory2011-06.htm)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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