Why we should clean up the Tsunami debris from the N. Pacific.
It is nearly a one year since Japan suffered the 9.0 earthquake that caused the tsunami that claimed nearly 16,000 lives, injuring many more, and damaging or destroyihg countless buildings. The threat from the tsunami may not be over. There is a very real possibility that debris dragged back into the sea by the receding tsunami could arrive on shores in Alaska, Hawaii, the West Coast and Canada over the next few years. The full impact the tsunami debris could have is unknown but it is important to be prepared.
So far, all the predictions are being created by computer modeling, and scientists agree they are in uncharted territory. In the announcement by NOAA, the organization said independent computer modeling by NOAA and the University of Hawaii seem to be coming up with the same results. If the models are correct, debris could pass near or wash ashore in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in spring 2012, approach the West Coast of the United States in 2013, and circle back to Hawaii in 2014 to 2016,
Endangered Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, and humpback whales can become entangled in and injured from this debris. From entanglement and ingestion to vessel damage and alien species transport, marine debris in many forms is a problem that we cannot afford to ignore. If items from the tsunami do wash ashore, small items of debris can be picked up and examined. Items that have no identifying markers should be disposed of properly, but if it belongs to someone, alert a local authority. You can also report large volumes of debris or items that clearly came from Japan to [email protected]. There are other easy ways to help: join a beach cleanup & recommit yourself to recycling. Refuse single use plastic, Reduce plastic packaging !
Some items should be left to the authorities. Do not to touch anything that appears hazardous or too large to move safely. Report it, and it will likely be dealt with by local emergency responders.