Marine Aquatic Invasive Species, Japanese Tsunami Debris

Debris from the tsunami that struck Japan will continue to wash up on U.S. shores for several years. Some of it may contain invasive species that could pose a serious threat to Oregon’s marine environment and native species through competition, crowding and predation.

• ODFW Marine Invasive Species and Japanese Tsunami Debris Fact Sheet (pdf)
• Oregon Park and Recreation Department FAQ
• Beach Debris Brochure (pdf)
• Aquatic Invasive Species: Grant's Getaways Video

If you find beach debris

• If you find small debris that has living organisms attached, send photo along with details (location, county, date found, description of item, what you did with the item) to beach.debris@odfw.oregon.gov. Then, dispose of it in the nearest garbage can or move it above high tide line.
• If you find large debris, send an email with details to: beach.debris@odfw.oregon.gov or call 211 or 1 800-safenet.
• Never move marine debris with living organisms to other bodies of water.
• If you find wood debris, leave it where it is unless it poses a safety hazard (nails, metal, etc.) or is an unusual item.

Timeline and Information

• Timeline of Events
• Japanese Tsunami Debris Bearing Japanese Biofouling Species: List of items with potential marine invasive species attached, 3/18/13 (pdf)

Links

• NOAA Marine Debris
• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
• Oregon State University Invasive Species Research Information

Contacts

Invasive Species Contacts: Rick Boatner, Rick.J.Boatner@ state.or.us, (503) 947-6308; Steve Rumrill, Steven.S.Rumrill@odfw.oregon.gov , (541) 867-0300 ext. 245
Media Contact: Meghan Dugan, Meghan.C.Dugan@odfw.oregon.gov, (541) 440-3353 x252

Wakame kelp (Undaria pinnatifida). - Hatfield Marine Science Center photo -	Northern Pacific seastars (Asterias amurensis). - Hatfield Marine Science Center photo -