Local agencies are bracing themselves for hundreds more and working on improving their response plans.
It’s been two years since the devastating tsunami hit Japan but reminders of its destruction will continue to show up on our shores for decades to come.
That’s what agencies from both Japan and Hawaii addressed at a symposium on Saturday.
"With this symposium were able to start planning for what they think is going to come to us," says Paul Sensano, District Assistant Manager for the Boating and Ocean Recreation Division of the DLNR.
NOAA models show that most of the tsunami debris is passing to north of us and heading to the West Coast.
But based on currents and weather patterns, it’s predicted to circle back to the Hawaiian Islands in 2014.
"We estimate currently 1.5 million tons of marine debris floating in the ocean, generated by the tsunami, based on our simulation," says Takashi Mori, Director of Marine Environment, Ministry of Environment, Government of Japan.
When dealing with debris that comes from international waters into state waters, dozens of federal, state and county agencies could potentially be involved.
"Anything that could be in the water – from navigation, or presents a threat to life or public safety like oil or hazardous substances, then the Coastguard will be involved," says Commander Martin Smith, Marine Environmental Response Specialist, 14th District- U.S. Coast Guard.
"It takes a lot of time and effort to regularly go to our beaches and pick it up to protect the environment and our visitor industry for that matter," says Gary Gill, Deputy Director, Environmental Health Administration, Hawaii State Department of Health.
But many of the agencies say its an issue we’ve been dealing with for decades even before the Japan tsunami.
And it has raised a new understanding of the ongoing ocean debris problem.
"This puts a higher profile on it perhaps, and its brought people in governments together," says Gill.
Japan has contributed $5 million to the US to help with the clean up efforts.
The state Department of Health is also offering grant money to local non profit organizations who are willing to help.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
