Water: Marine Debris
Marine Debris Prevention
Japan Tsunami Debris Information
In March, 2011, the tsunami triggered by the magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Japan washed debris into the Pacific Ocean. Computer models project the path of this tsunami debris to head eastward from the Japan coast towards Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast.
- Tsunami Bulletin (EPA Region 9 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
- Tsunami Debris Floating Across Pacific Toward U.S. (ABC News article)
Marine debris is a problem along shorelines, and in coastal waters, estuaries, and oceans throughout the world. Marine debris is any man-made, solid material that enters our waterways either directly or indirectly. Marine debris enters our oceans and coasts from a number of land- and ocean-based sources. More people move near our Nation's coasts each year, and the production of trash and the potential for marine debris continues to increase. We need to better control the disposal of trash and other wastes, or we will continue to find marine debris in our rivers, streams, and oceans.
Marine Debris: Trash on the Move Brochure (2012) (PDF) (4 pp, 7.11MB)
Marine Debris: The Urban-Coastal Connection Lesson Plan, Grades 4 - 7 (PDF) (23 pp, 397 K)
Prevention, Control, and Reduction
Monitoring and Research
- National Marine Debris Monitoring Program
- Ocean Survey Vessel Bold
- Beach Monitoring
- National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
- Assessing and Monitoring Floatable Debris
- Harbor Studies Program
- Storm Drain Sentries Program
Other Resources
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