Japan tsunami marine debris washing up on CA shores: A Possibility

The 9.0 earthquake that hit Japan causing a tsunami may have occurred over a year ago, but the debris from the incident has the potential to hit US shores for years to come, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Los Angelenos should be prepared to take the proper safety precautions.

Marine debris can take on several different forms and authorities should be notified if you encounter any of these materials by emailing DisasterDebris@noaa.gov and including as much information about the identified debris as possible. 

The NOAA has listed the following as possible types of debris that could appear:

*Note: not all debris found on US shores has originated from Japan, so use discretion when reporting these items. 

• Litter: plastic bottles aluminum cans, buoys, Styrofoam. 
• Potential hazardous materials: oil or chemical drums, gas cans, propane tanks (if this sort of item is found, call 911)
• Derelict vessel or other large debris item: (adrift fishing boat, shipping container)
• Mementos or possessions
• Remains: very unlikely to appear, but call 911 if sighted

Most importantly, do not touch any of these materials without contacting authorities. If practical, the NOAA encourages you to recycle typical debris items, but most should be handled by authorities.

This information was derived from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For more information, visit their website.

Photo credit: US Navy, via marinedebris.noaa.gov