Vessels transiting North Pacific Ocean from Japan to US West Coast advised to lookout for debris field from 2011 Tsumami
This advisory will be published on the MARAD web site at www.marad.dot.gov.
The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred march 11, 2011 off the east coast of Honshu, Japan resulted in a debris field in the North Pacific Ocean.
Some possible marine debris types include derelict vessels, fishing nets and floats, lumber, cargo containers, and household goods. because different debris types move with currents and winds differently, the debris may be dispersed over a very broad area between Japan and the west coast of North America.
Some general information is available at website http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/info/japanfaqs.html
US-flag operators with ships transiting the subject area should advise such vessels to remain vigilant and to monitor all sources of available information affecting safe and secure navigation in this area.
Significant debris sightings can be reported to disasterdebris@noaa.gov. please indicate if information can be displayed on public website.
Contact information NOAA: carey morishige, 808-532-3207 or carey.morishige@noaa.gov 8.