Tsunami Debris Talk

John Chapman investigates a tsunami boat at Sacchi Beach.

Marine debris researcher John Chapman will discuss what we’ve been learning from the recent upsurge of tsunami debris in a special lecture on Friday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Oregon Coast Community College’s Lincoln City branch (3788 High School Dr.), in Room 208.  Doors open at 6 p.m.  The event is free and open to all; a $5 donation is suggested.

CoastWatch is offering Dr. Chapman’s talk as a warm-up for our Community Science Day at Otter Rock, taking place the next day (Saturday, June 25) beginning on the shore at Otter Rock.  Surveying for marine debris and monitoring for tsunami debris that may be carrying non-native organisms are two of CoastWatch’s citizen science projects.

John Chapman is a researcher at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and courtesy assistant professor of fisheries with Oregon State University.  His research focuses on aquatic biological invasions, invertebrate zoology, and crustacean taxonomy. 

In this public presentation, he will discuss the scientific research that has been done on tsunami debris since 2012, including what it has shown us about how non-native and potentially invasive species may be ferried across the ocean.  This is a highly pertinent topic, since we have seen an increase in tsunami debris this spring.  Seven “tsunami boats” have washed up on Oregon beaches recently, carrying live organisms.  He and CoastWatch Volunteer Coordinator Fawn Custer will also provide information on how CoastWatchers and others can assist by scouting for and reporting on potential Japanese tsunami marine debris.

For more information about this event, or about CoastWatch’s citizen science projects, contact Fawn Custer at (541) 270-0027, fawn@oregonshores.org.