November 29, 2012

A new app is now available for reporting large, unusual and potentially hazardous marine debris–especially items that may have been swept into the sea by Japan’s devastating March 2011 tsunami.

The March 2011 Japanese tsunami dispersed roughly 1.5 million tons of debris eastward across the Pacific Ocean. Authorities believe the majority of this debris will arrive on the west coast throughout 2013 with a large mass expected to reach coastal waters within a few weeks. a new mobile debris tracking app called Coastbuster can help government agencies locate, photograph, and track large or potentially hazardous objects, while providing important data to researchers studying ocean currents. 

Developed at the University of Victoria's Ocean Networks Canada, in collaboration with Simon Fraser University's Spatial Interface Research Lab, Coastbuster allows volunteers and residents of coastal communities to gather evidence of tsunami debris and share this information using social networking tools. The mobile tracking app is simple to use and supports coordinated debris-location efforts along the Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska.

Easy to Use

Simply photograph the debris you find, enter some descriptions, and upload to Ocean Networks Canada. We will forward your reports to authorities. We’ll also upload your photos, where you can browse, share and comment on the full collection of marine debris snapshots.

Where your Reports Go

The photos and information you provide are sent to Ocean Networks Canada staff members who review them and post them to the Coastbuster photostream on Flickr. Debris that are unusual, potentially hazardous or possibly linked to Japan's tsunami are also reported to NOAA's Marine Debris Program and the BC Ministry of Environment.

How to Get Coastbuster

Coastbuster is avialable for Android and iPhone. You can download it from Google Play or iTunes.

Shore Clean-up

Help protect our coast by joining a clean-up! Participate in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup and Surfriders. If you are on Vancouver Island, check out Surfrider Vancouver Island.

Coastbuster Demonstration

What: Coastbuster mobile app demo and chat with Dr. Kate Moran, President of Ocean Networks Canada. 

When: Thursday November 29, 9-10 am.

Where: Telegraph Cove (end of Telegraph Bay Rd) Saanich; Parking beside Beach. http://goo.gl/maps/Dn8MM

To get the Coastbuster app: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=coastbuster