Tsunami Marine Debris Special Lectures on Maui

Marine Debris. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Discussions on tsunami debris  from Japan will be held on Maui in June.

The special presentations are hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program.

NOAA’s Carey Morishige and Ruth Yender will provide information on efforts to collect data, assess the debris and possible impacts, and protect natural resources and coastlines.

As a result of the March 2011 Japan tsunami, much of what was in the inundation zone was washed into the ocean.

Scientists say heavier materials sank closer to shore, while buoyant materials went on to make up the debris fields seen in satellite imagery and aerial photos of the waters surrounding Japan.

Months later, winds and ocean currents scattered items in the massive North Pacific Ocean, and scientists predict some of the debris will reach US coasts.

The Maui presentations will be held at the following times and locations:

• Friday, June 1, 2012, 6 p.m.: Kihei, Santuary Visitor Center, 726 South Kihei Road.
• Saturday, June 2, 2012, 6 p.m.:  Lahaina, Princess Nahiʻenaʻena School, 816 Niheu St.