Response to Biofouled Marine Debris Generated by the 2011 Japan Tsunami

Transcription

1 Response to Biofouled Marine Debris Generated by the 2011 Japan Tsunami 18 th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 23 April 2013 Margaret M. (Peg) Brady DOC/NOAA Senior Policy Liaison to National Invasive Species Council & Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force

2 Event overview 11 March 2011 natural disaster and human tragedy: 9.0 magnitude earthquake Tsunami: 130 ft max wave height 217 square miles inundation 15,867 people confirmed dead, 2,904 missing (as of 7/27/12) (Keichi Nakane/Associated Press)

3 Widespread destruction Widespread destruction (US Navy, March 15, 2011)

4 Debris aftermath Event Overview (US Navy, March 2011) March 13, 2011: Debris off the Sendai coast Debris formed patches Most debris likely sank right away NASA/NESDIS collaborated on early satellite detection Debris dispersed; satellites could not detect after April 14, 2011

5 (US Navy, March, 2011) Estimates of the debris field?

6 Unprecedented event for U.S. Spread across an enormous ocean area Challenges: Scope of problem No accurate estimates of debris types or volume Debris sinks, weathers, and breaks apart Debris disperses by wind and ocean currents that constantly change. Difficult to predict exact dates & locations for the debris arrival on North American & HI shores.

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8 Finding debris: Modeling Model components 8,000 total particles from 8 locations Random windage: low to high Where debris may be NOW These do NOT represent fields/patches of debris Area contains 95% of all simulated particles Area with highest concentration of simulated debris with low windage Image: NOAA Marine Debris Program

9 On going challenges At sea detection is difficult Preparing for the unknown Debris removal Getting the message out Biofouling and potential invasive species What s coming next? (Oregon Dept. Fish and Wildlife )

10 Finding biofouled debris: Observations August 1, 2011 Spotted by USCG vessel June 5, 2012 Misawa Floating Dock # 1 Washed ashore on Agate Beach, OR September 22, 2011 Spotted by the Russian vessel, STS Pallada June 15, 2012 Washed ashore on Cape Disappointment, WA

11 Misawa Floating Dock # 2 Sited & Photographed by Fishermen 9/24/12 location? 9/19/12 15 miles off Molokai 9/17/12 30 miles off Maui From Dr. James Carlton, Williams College

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14 Misawa Floating Dock #3 makes landfall at the Olympic National Park, WA December 2012 landing March 2013 dock removal Photos from WA Department of Ecology

15 Multi agency response Product of the Regional Preparedness and Response Workshop to Address Biofouling and Aquatic Invasive Species on Japan Tsunami Marine Debris (July 31 Aug 1, 2012; Portland State University) Goal is to provide effectively and consistently response to potential AIS associated with JTMD. Includes: Risk communication, Outreach and engagement framework, Science based protocols for risk assessment and management response. Suggested guidance for jurisdictions impacted by JTMD. Voluntary and adaptive Work within or be superseded by potential federal, state, and provincial mandates

16 Levels 1 and 5: Communication Framework Goal: To facilitate the planning and development of a regional communication network to improve communication relevant to JTMD and the risk of AIS. Includes guidance for Proactive and Post response Communication Identifying Critical Audiences Consideration for Successful Risk Communication Evaluation of Communication Tools Existing Federal, State, and Tribal Outreach Materials Key Messages: Safety Risk of Aquatic Invasive Species Disposal Marine Debris

17 Level 2: Reporting Instructions to report biofouled JTMD Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Taxonomic Assessment Team (J TAT) State point of contacts If species reported is a suspicious an Action Required (AR) response may be initiated, routing the information to Level 3

18 Level 3: Science Response and Risk Assessment Provides guidance for developing: Decision Support and Assessment procedures Scientific Assessment Panel Determining threshold criteria to trigger response Sample Collection and Analysis Information used to determine if necessary to Continue with an Action Required (AR) condition, in which case authorities are advised to proceed to Level 4

19 Level 4: Management Response Designed to implement actions to effectively minimize the risk of potential AIS associated with JTMD. Clearly defined responsibility and action paths are recommended Incident Command System Treatment Options Beach / Coastal Encounters Encounters at Sea

20 Appendices Federal, State, and Tribal Contacts Documentation for J TAT Checklist of Steps in Developing a Response of Biofouled Debris Rapid Response Planning for Aquatic Invasive Species: A Template (includes description of ISC structure) Ocean Dumping Regulation and Permit Processing Workshop Agenda and Invited Participant List For more details visit:

21 Questions?