Information with respect to measures the provincial and federal governments are taking to handle debris reaching the west coast from the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami: 

Information from:  http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/publicnotifications/tsunami-debris.htm

The earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11, 2011 is a human tragedy—the disaster took more than 16,000 lives, injured 6,000, and destroyed or damaged countless buildings. As a result of the disaster, it is expected that debris that washed into the Pacific Ocean will reach U.S. and Canadian shores over the next several years.

B.C. is already getting ready for its arrival by preparing to:

• manage the volume of material that could reach B.C.‚Äôs shores,
• ensure any culturally significant items are handled with respect, and
• remove items quickly and safely in the unlikely event any of the debris poses a risk to health or the environment.

In Canada, the Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee co-chaired by provincial and federal representatives has been created to manage any tsunami debris that arrives on B.C.’s coast in the coming months.

Canada is working closely with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA is leading efforts with federal, state, and local partners to collect data, assess the debris, and reduce possible impacts to natural resources and coastal communities. The latest information from NOAA can be found at http://marinedebris.noaa.gov.

FAQs from the Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee (PDF/294 KB)

Tsunami Debris Monitoring Guidelines

(courtesy of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA)

Canada’s Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee is working with NOAA on shoreline monitoring and advises Canadians who would like to collect information to review the instructions below and download NOAA’s smartphone application (see below) to record, visualize, and share data.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) provides information to individuals or groups interested in undertaking shoreline monitoring studies for Japan tsunami marine debris. Effective monitoring of changes in environmental conditions, such as the abundance of marine debris, requires a good deal of forethought. Here are some tips and suggestions:

1. Clear objectives and methods: Monitoring projects should have clearly stated objectives and use agreed-upon methods and field measurements to allow for comparability of data with previous research and that conducted in other areas.
2. Baseline data monitoring: In order to detect a change in the concentration of marine debris over time, reliable baseline data is needed. Thus, if you are interested in monitoring to detect a pulse of tsunami-related debris, we suggest regular sampling begin well before the expected arrival of the tsunami debris in your area. At least one year would be ideal.
3. Debris type information: Gathering information on the type of debris found (e.g., lumber, plastic, rubber, fabric, metal, glass) is important. With this information, changes in the types and amounts of marine debris over time may be seen. For example, you may begin to notice an unusual increase in a certain type of debris item around the time of predicted tsunami debris arrival to your area.

   Note: All tsunami debris sightings should be directed to NOAA’s email address designated for this purpose. DisasterDebris@noaa.gov.

   To request a copy of the MDP's Shoreline Survey Field Guide and electronic data sheet please send an email to MD.monitoring@noaa.gov.

Tsunami Debris Sightings:

Please report all tsunami debris sightings to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) email address designated for this purpose:  DisasterDebris@noaa.gov.

For more information about NOAA and marine debris, please visit NOAA’s website: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/info/japanfaqs.html.

Links and Resources:

• Prime Minister of Japan‚Äôs statements about Japanese actions related to debris
• Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver

Media Requests:
Suntanu Dalal
250 387-9745
Communications
Ministry of Environment

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