Rule #1: Be safe!

Use common sense. If you don't know what an item is, don't touch it. If it appears hazardous, contact appropriate authorities.

If you find potential tsunami debris, report it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Marine debris items such as the Japanese buoys shown at left or significant accumulations potentially related to the tsunami can be reported to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with as much information as possible (including its location, the date and time you found it, photos, and any relevant descriptions). It is important to remember that not all debris found on U.S. shorelines is from Japan, so please use your discretion when reporting items.

Guidelines for Removing Marine Debris

Litter and other typical marine debris items
Examples: Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, buoys, Styrofoam Common marine debris types may vary by location. If safe and practical, we encourage you to remove the debris and recycle as much of it as possible.
Potential hazardous materials (HAZMAT) 
Examples: Oil or chemical drums, gas cans, propane tanks. 
Contact your local authorities (a 911 call), a state emergency response or environmental health agency, and the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 to report the item with as much information as possible. Do not touch the item or attempt to move it. Do not contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for response assistance.

Derelict vessel or other large debris item


Examples: Adrift fishing boat, shipping containers 
Contact your local authorities (a 911 call) and a state emergency response or environmental health agency to report the item. If the debris item is a potential hazard to navigation, immediately radio your nearest US Coast Guard Sector Command Center via VHF-FM Ch. 16 or 2182 MHz or notify the US Coast Guard Pacific Area Command at 510-437-3701. Do not attempt to move or remove the item.

Mementos or possessions


Examples: Items with unique identifiers, names, or markings
If an item can 1) be traced back to an individual or group and 2) has personal or monetary value, it should be reported to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. NOAA will work with local Japan consulates to determine if they can help identify its owner.

Remains


It is highly unlikely that remains from the tsunami will reach the United States, but if you see human remains anywhere, contact local authorities (a 911 call) and report what you observed. Do not touch or attempt to move them.

Unknown item


If you don't know what it is, don't touch it. If you believe it is a hazardous item, contact local authorities and report it.

For more info, click HERE.