Japan to deal with debris heading for America

May 19, 2012

Govt discussing ways to dispose of drifted debris

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120519_22.html

Japan's government is discussing what to do about debris drifting across the Pacific Ocean from last year's disaster in Japan.

The Environment Ministry estimates that about 1.5 million tons of debris drifted out to sea following the tsunami that hit northeast Japan. The debris includes small fishing boats and waste from destroyed houses.

A fishing boat, fishing nets, and a motorbike were found on the Pacific coast of North America.

Discussions are under way among officials from government ministries, including the Environment Ministry and Foreign Ministry, on ways to dispose of the debris.

They have so far agreed that drifting fishing boats should be handled by the Fisheries Agency and other vessels by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry.

If Japan is informed of any vessel being washed ashore, the relevant ministry will check its owner from its name and registration number. It will then judge whether to dispose of it or accept it by confirming the owner's intention.

International law does not require Japan to recover drifting debris. However, the government intends to study possible payment for disposal of the debris.

Officials say large amounts of debris, such as the wreckage of houses, may reach the western coast of North American countries from around October.