Vancouver Aquarium Hosts Discussion About Japanese Tsunami's Debris Impact on British Columbia

Photo by Sue Frause

The Vancouver Aquarium has put together a panel of local experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada for a public discussion about the ongoing effects in British Columbia as a result of the 2011 tsunami in Japan. 

Japanese Tsunami Debris: Why We See the Debris in BC will delve into ways the tsunami debris has made its way to Canada's west coast; the potential environmental effects of the debris; and action that's being taken to address the issue. It will also feature what creative Canadians are doing to call attention to the problem of marine debris. The panel of experts includes:

• Jill Dwyer, Manager, Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (emcee)
• Dr. Richard Thompson, Scientist, Ocean Sciences Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Paul Kluckner, Co-Chair of Canada/BC Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee, Regional Director General West & North, Environment Canada 
• Peter Clarkson, flotsam sculptor and marine debris artist. His art is featured throughout the Vancouver Aquarium.

The effect of the Japanese tsunami is just one aspect of a much larger environmental issue of shoreline litter, which not only impacts communities and waterways, but the wildlife that depends on them. Organizers are hoping the evening will help to increase public awareness of tsunami debris in BC and what can be done to address shoreline litter during September's Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup across Canada. 

Japanese Tsunami Debris: Why We See the Debris in BC

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

7-9 PM. Tour of Peter Clarkson's marine debris artwork at 6 PM

Vancouver Aquarium at Stanley Park
Free and open to the public