Marine Debris Resources

This page contains a brief list of debris resources, including:

Information Resources | Apps | Drop Off Sites | Invasive Seaweed |   If you find any more, please email me.

INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES BY STATE OREGON  1) Did you find debris?      Call: 211 or 1-800-SAFENET      Email: beach.debris@state.or.us      Learn about drop off sites below.  2) Did it have organisms on it?      Report them here. Sea Grant Invasive Species ID Guides:   Low Resolution (online version) High Resolution (for printing) Hatfield Marine Science Center Bioinvasions Lab Information on the tsunami dock and invasive species research Tsunami Dock and Invasive Species Blog OSU's Jessica Miller's blog with coverage of what is being studied with invasive species, and how to collect samples. ODFW Marine Aquatic Invasive Species & Japanese Tsunami Debris Page - Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife's website. Their invasive species and tsunami debris page hosts information and updates.   LEARN MORE:   Oregon Intertidal Species   What are the native marine species of Oregon? This is a fabulous pictorial guide of everything that should be found there.  Great for the scientist and beachcomber in all of us. Oregon Department and Recreation   Website with further information about beach debris Hatfield Marine Science Center Main website of HMSC- a marine research facility in Newport, Oregon.  Hatfield (HMSC) houses research for Oregon State University, NOAA, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.  Their website hosts science and marine news, including debris. Oregon Sea Grant  Marine debris website with current information, volunteer opportunities, and beach cleanup information. Oregon Shores Coastwatch The Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition website has a large variety of resources on marine debris and coastal stewardship, as well as a recent sightings map. Adopt a mile of beach! WASHINGTON Washington State Debris News Portal   Website for WA State Marine Debris Task Force, headed by the Military's Emergency Management Division. In addition to other resources, a news portal has been established to keep citizens up-to-date on local debris. A toll-free number has been established for those who find marine debris, either relating the tsunami or not: 1 (800) 922-6278 Those who find non-hazardous debris (plastic, styrofoam, and other small man-made materials) are encouraged to remove and dispose of them. . NATIONAL/NOAA NOAA's Marine Debris Website- Constantly updated with the newest models and information globally. International Pacific Research Center -  The IPRC has a webpage for marine debris, as well as a series of excellently detailed models of the debris path. They have news relating mainly to Hawaii, but includes information for other areas as well. If you find tsunami-related debris that is not easily removable, please take a photo, note the location, and email the information to: disasterdebris@noaa.gov or contact your State Parks Department.

APPS Lampyr.org - An ecological cataloging app that can help you instantly learn about what species are found near you.  Useable on both a computer and smart phone with browsing capabilities. Be sure to enable location services. Check it out! Marine Debris Tracker - Report marine debris to NOAA, and track what is being reported across the nation. iPhone and Android. Coastbuster - An app designed by Ocean Networks Canada that allows you to instantly photograph and catalog debris you find on the shore.  Currently only available for Android.

OREGON MARINE DEBRIS DROP-OFF SITES A network of 32 drop-off sites for marine debris have been established along the Oregon coast.  For a digital map of these, please visit:   http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/tsunami_debris.shtml  Drop off sites are usually plastic bags and containers provided by SOLVe.  The one closest to me is pictured below.  Foam and plastic should be gathered whole and left at the collection site.  Additionally, drop-off sites are present at Oregon beach state park campgrounds.  All locations can be found at http://oregonstateparks.org Debris that is too large to fit into a bag or move should be reported to Oregon SAFENET (1-800-SAFENET) with a date and location.  Additionally, you can email beach.debris@state.or.us if it is not normal business hours, or is on a weekend. Debris with living organisms should be photographed and reported with a location and date and moved above the high tide level or removed from the beach completely. Don't put it back! SOLVE Bag Station, Waldport, OR

Invasive Japanese Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) The Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Department of Agriculture have  issued statements that a certain species of seaweed, Undaria pinnatifida, has shown up prominently on some debris, and is one of the world's top 100 worst invasive species. These organizations ask that coastal citizens look for this species of seaweed, and collect and report it if found.   What does it look like? General sketch. Note the sporophylls on the bottom- these MUST be removed to prevent reproduction. (oceancare.org) If you find Wakame: Report your finding to 1-866-INVADER (Oregon Department of Agriculture) and locally to Hansen.Gayle@epa.gov Remove the seaweed by scraping it off completely or grabbing below the sporophylls and tearing off.  Do not leave the sporophylls.  Take a photo, record time, date, location, and tide height Compost or destroy the seaweed. Don't return it!  Note: We do have several native species of seaweed that may somewhat look like Undaria but are not.  You'll know it when you see it if you study these pictures! Source: ODFW