Detecting Japan Tsunami Marine Debris at Sea: 

A Synthesis of Efforts and Lessons Learned

NOAA Marine Debris Program

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

U.S. Department of Commerce

Technical Memorandum NOS-OR&R-51

January 2015

Photo credit: Peter Grillo
Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report

Acknowledgements

The NOAA Marine Debris Program would like to acknowledge Peter Murphy for the 

compilation of this report and Tetra Tech and members of the Office of Response and 

Restoration for their input and review. We also thank the many partners engaged in Japan 

Tsunami Marine Debris detection efforts, including but not limited to the Government of Japan, 

partners in federal, state, and local agencies and academia, the U.S. Coast Guard, the NOAA 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program, NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and 

Information Service, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. This effort certainly 

would not have been possible without the mariners, volunteers, shoreline monitors, and members 

of the public who gathered critical data on marine debris from beaches and the ocean.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report

Contents

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................................. iv

Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................... vi

1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................1

2.0 Detection Approach Elements ........................................................................................................................3

2.1 Characteristics and Behavior of JTMD ......................................................................................................3

2.2 Modeling JTMD Movement and Concentration.........................................................................................4

2.3 Direct Detection of JTMD ..........................................................................................................................5

2.4 Sensor Types ..............................................................................................................................................6

3.0 Direct Detection by Platform ..........................................................................................................................8

3.1 Vessels ......................................................................................................................................................12

3.2 Aircraft .....................................................................................................................................................15

3.3 Satellite .....................................................................................................................................................19

3.4 Shore-based Observations ........................................................................................................................23

4.0 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................................26

5.0 References ....................................................................................................................................................28

5.0 Appendices ...................................................................................................................................................29

5.1 Appendix A – June 2012 Debris Detection Testing Report .....................................................................29

5.2 Appendix B – June 2013 Olympic Coast UAS Debris Detection Testing Field Report ..........................32

Figures

Figure 1 – Debris Windage. .......................................................................................................................... 3 

Figure 2 – Debris Modeling. ........................................................................................................................ 5

Figure 3 –JTMD Satellite Data Request Flow Chart. ................................................................................. 21

Tables

Table 1 – Sensors for At-Sea Detection of Marine Debris ........................................................................... 7

Table 2 – Confirmed JTMD Sightings by Platform ..................................................................................... 8

Table 3 – Detection Platform: Limitations and Possible Actions................................................................. 9

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report

Executive Summary

This report synthesizes actions and lessons learned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA) and the overall marine debris community through efforts to detect marine debris caused by the tsunami 

that struck Japan in March 2011. This tsunami inundated over 217 square miles of coastal Japan and washed an 

estimated 5 million tons of debris out to sea as it receded. The Japanese government estimated that 70 percent of 

that total sank immediately, leaving 1.5 million tons of Japan tsunami marine debris (JTMD) that broke up and 

dispersed over the North Pacific in the months and years following the tsunami. 

Following the tsunami, the marine debris community – including U.S. federal, state, and local agencies as well as 

academic and non-governmental groups – began efforts to assess the quantity, location and movement of the 

remaining JTMD in order to better anticipate and prepare for its potential impact on marine and coastal resources

and communities. While shorelines throughout the Pacific are consistently impacted by chronic marine debris, 

the acute pulse nature of the release of JTMD combined with the potential for additional impacts - such as 

navigational hazard from large objects and vessels and invasive species impacts from objects colonized by species 

native to Japan - created specific interest in and concerns with JTMD. 

Because of the very large area where debris was expected to disperse, detection was paired with modeling efforts 

in order to focus detection resources on areas where debris was most likely to be located. The characteristics and 

behavior of any debris object is important in order to better understand and model its movement, 

durability/persistence, and where it is likely to collect in the ocean or on shore. Understanding the characteristics 

of the debris is also important in identifying the target “profile” that the debris will present to a sensor, in terms of 

surface area, composition, color, and other attributes. With more specific and accurate information on the 

behavior of debris, the capability and accuracy of models that predict debris concentration based on 

oceanographic features and forcing can be increased. These modeling outputs can also aid in focusing direct 

detection efforts on areas that are more likely to hold higher densities of debris.

Direct detection efforts were divided between targeted detection efforts - where the primary goal of the mission or 

activity was focused on marine debris - and opportunistic and voluntary efforts - where debris reporting was 

secondary to the primary mission or activity. These efforts, whether targeted or opportunistic, involved visual and 

remote sensing from multiple platforms, including vessels, aircraft, satellites, and shorelines. 

Targeted detection activities primarily utilized satellite and aerial assets for remote sensing and shoreline 

monitoring programs for direct shoreline data collection. Prior to the JTMD event, satellite data had not been 

used extensively for debris detection by NOAA or its partners. Through an extensive effort led by NOAA’s 

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), different satellite sensors, acquisition 

approaches, and analysis techniques were implemented and tested over the course of the response. While 

available commercial satellite data proved to have limited capability in detecting individual debris objects, it 

provided valuable intelligence in confirming that there were no large masses or “islands” of tsunami debris, which 

was a longstanding public concern.

Aerial operations in the open ocean were primarily limited to opportunistic reporting by partner agencies during 

the execution of their primary missions. Shoreline aerial surveys were very successful, however, in showing areas 

of high debris concentration and providing information to guide cleanup prioritization decisions in areas where 

surveys occurred. 

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report

Opportunistic sightings were a primary source of information throughout the response, with over 1,900 debris 

sightings reports coming to the NOAA disasterdebris@noaa.gov reporting and tracking system. Of these, the 

majority of debris sightings came from vessels (637 to date) and shore-based observations (1,270 to date), while 

fewer were from aircraft (12 to date) and satellite (0 to date).

Across the varying detection efforts, a consistent set of lessons-learned and opportunities emerged:

- Interest translating to advancement - the acute and specific nature of JTMD and the associated human 

tragedy led to a higher level of interest in the overall marine debris issue, both from the public and from 

agencies and organizations that participated in response activities, including detection. This provided an 

opportunity to advance the state of knowledge on debris detection, modeling, and monitoring as it applies to 

not only JTMD, but to future acute debris events, and chronic background debris.

- Limitations in dedicated resources – For high demand or high cost assets, such as vessels or aircraft, getting 

access to dedicated time for debris operations is challenging, especially in the very remote areas of the North 

Pacific. Finding ways to partner and integrate debris detection operations with existing missions in advance 

of acute debris events could help address this need.

- Satellite detection capabilities – Satellite detection offers key capabilities in being able to provide 

increasingly high resolution (down to 0.5 m) imagery in areas that are otherwise practically inaccessible. 

However, the combination of diverse debris types spread over a wide area makes successful identification of 

individual debris objects by satellite very challenging. Additionally, there is an inherent tradeoff between 

coverage area and resolution: as resolution increases, the coverage area decreases. This can result in a narrow 

“soda-straw” look at individual target areas. Furthermore, even at high resolution, it remains difficult to 

firmly identify anomalies or objects that are detected as debris. Despite these challenges, significant progress 

was made in understanding the best sensors and analysis techniques to detect debris, and satellite data did 

provide key value in confirming that debris was widely dispersed, and not matted in islands or rafts, which 

was a public concern. In future events, having consistent satellite data collection to track debris as it breaks 

up can help provide clear intelligence on debris movement and also on thresholds for detection.

- Standardization and/or expansion of opportunistic reporting – Adding the capacity and/or requirement 

for vessels/observers to report the overall track of the vessel/aircraft and where they did not see any debris

could significantly benefit modeling and the overall base of knowledge on debris location and concentration. 

Also, integrating common guidance or protocols for the specific information to be captured, the terminology

used, and data collection structure employed could increase the compatibility and ease of data sharing 

between reporting systems (NOAA, states, etc.). This, in turn, could help improve the feedback to users 

(public, science, response) and help make information more broadly accessible and applicable during a 

response.

Taken together, the results of detection activities focused on JTMD have advanced the state of knowledge on 

detection of debris at-sea and will help inform future detection activities, both for chronic marine debris and for 

responses to events that create an acute release of marine debris (tsunamis, hurricane or storm events, vessel 

releases, etc.).

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report

Acronyms and Abbreviations

CONOPS Concept of operations

DEC Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

DFG Derelict Fishing Gear

DOD Department of Defense

FLIR Forward Looking Infrared 

ft Feet

GNOME General NOAA Operational Modeling Environment

HAZMAT Hazardous material

HF High frequency

ICC International Coastal Cleanup

ICR Information Collection Request

JTMD Japan Tsunami Marine Debris

LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging 

m Meter

MARAD U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration

NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

nm Nautical mile

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA MDP NOAA Marine Debris Program

NOAA NESDIS NOAA National, Environmental, Satellite, Data, and Information Service

OMB Office of Management and Budget

PRA Paperwork Reduction Act

RGB Red-green-blue

SAR Synthetic Aperture Radar

SCUBA Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System 

USCG U.S. Coast Guard

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

1.0 Introduction

Marine debris is an ongoing problem with everyday impacts. While much of the marine debris in the 

world’s oceans comes from chronic introduction through land and ocean-based sources as the result of 

human behaviors and choices, acute events including natural disasters contribute to the marine debris 

problem. Examples of this include Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf of Mexico, the American 

Samoa tsunami of 2009, and the Tǀhoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011 that is the focus of this report.

The earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan in March 2011 was a human tragedy – the disaster 

claimed nearly 16,000 human lives, injured more than 6,000 people, and destroyed or damaged countless 

buildings. As the wave retreated, it carried with it significant amounts of debris back into the ocean. The 

Government of Japan (GOJ) estimated that roughly 5 million tons of debris were washed to sea, of which 

roughly 70 percent sank, leaving an estimated 1.5 million tons of floating debris to spread over the Pacific 

Ocean, moving and dispersing based on wind and currents in the North Pacific. The GOJ also estimated 

that debris continued to sink and weather over time, further reducing the total quantity of floating debris 

under the 1.5 million ton estimate. In the days following the tsunami, multiple organizations and agencies 

noted the presence of this debris immediately in operational reports from the disaster response. While the 

primary efforts focused on immediate disaster recovery, during this initial response period NOAA and 

other groups began to opportunistically collect observations (photos and anecdotal reports, primarily) on 

debris locations and types in order to better understand the scope of the debris introduction caused by the 

tsunami. Initial reports and images described a wide range of debris by size, shape, and composition, 

with individual images showing vessels of various sizes, structural debris, fishing gear (lines, buoys), and 

a wide variety of household objects.

Satellite imagery and aerial photos immediately following the disaster captured images of buoyant 

materials forming large debris fields or patches in the water near Japan’s coast. However, these fields 

were no longer visible by mid-April 2011, as the debris had dispersed based on differences in the 

composition and shape of the objects and the resulting speed and direction of winds and ocean currents

that drove them across the ocean. In the months following the tsunami event, multiple groups began 

working to both model the movement and fate of the debris and to use targeted and opportunistic 

detection approaches to locate and estimate the quantity and type of debris remaining in order to better 

understand, assess, prepare for its potential arrival and any resulting impact. These efforts are the focus 

of this report.

The fastest moving, highest floating of the remaining debris began arriving on the West Coast of North 

America starting in the winter of 2011-2012, with later arrivals in Hawaiދi. This JTMD continues to 

arrive through the publication of this report. NOAA expects scattered tsunami-related debris to continue 

to arrive on U.S. and Canadian shores intermittently over the next several years, eventually blending into 

the overall pre-existing marine debris problem in the Pacific. 

NOAA and other responding agencies have found that the majority marine debris generated from the 

Japan tsunami has been difficult to distinguish from the “typical” marine debris that washes up on 

shorelines every day, because tracing any one object back to its source with certainty is rarely possible. In 

the three years since the tsunami, NOAA has received more than 1,900 reports of debris to date from atsea vessels and beachgoers in Pacific-area states and British Columbia. However, as of the time of this 

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

writing, less than 60 objects have been confirmed as JTMD. “Confirmed” tsunami debris are objects that 

can be conclusively traced back to the disaster, based on a clear fingerprint such as a government 

registration or personal information that is confirmed through the GOJ. Examples of these objects include 

vessels, large docks that arrived in Washington and Oregon, and personal objects such as sports balls that 

have ownership information written on them. NOAA works closely with the GOJ and its Consulates to 

confirm whether reported debris objects originated from the tsunami impact zone. The confirmation status 

of debris objects was a valuable input early in the response because the presence of confirmed sightings 

showed definitively that tsunami debris had reached U.S. shorelines. However, not all of what arrived was 

reported or could be confirmed, and there are undoubtedly tsunami-related objects on U.S. shorelines that 

cannot be confirmed. Therefore, while this report focuses on detection of JTMD, everyday marine debris 

detection is also included by default, because debris is first detected and then evaluated for potential

confirmation as JTMD.

Ideally, detection of debris, either at-sea or on shore, is followed by immediate removal of the debris in 

order to prevent further threat or impact. However, there is no established response fund to specifically 

address response to, or removal of, disaster-related debris, and funds available for cleanup of chronic, 

everyday marine debris are already a limiting factor in cleanup activities. The method and funding for 

large debris removal is most often assessed and identified on a case-by-case basis by management 

agencies and officials at the federal, state, local and tribal levels. 

While this report presents JTMD detection activities and the lessons-learned from their design and 

application during the overall JTMD response, many of the structures or approaches remain in place, 

either actively collecting data, or available for reactivation as needed, either as part of the JTMD 

response, or for response to future events.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

2.0 Detection Approach Elements

As stated, the primary goal of JTMD detection efforts was to gather information on the quantity, 

composition, and movement of floating debris in order to assess and prepare for the potential impact it 

might cause. While there had been multiple projects previously executed by the marine debris 

community focused on either targeted or opportunistic at-sea detection, the broad diversity of the debris 

types and scale of the target area for JTMD meant that a more holistic approach would be necessary.

In order to maximize the coverage and likelihood of success for any detection effort that was undertaken, 

it was important to build a combined detection approach that integrated information on the behavior of 

debris to model its movement, and then use those estimates to focus targeted debris detection efforts and 

inform requests for opportunistic reporting of debris sightings. These elements are briefly described 

below.

2.1 Characteristics and Behavior of JTMD

Understanding the characteristics and behavior of JTMD at-sea is fundamental to developing and

selecting the most appropriate modeling and detection approach. Modeling the movement and 

concentration of a range of debris requires an understanding of how that debris will move, degrade, or 

change over time, referred to here as the overall “behavior” of the debris object. The behavior is 

dependent on the size, weight, buoyancy, and degradation timeline of the debris, which varies 

significantly. As an example, an uncoated foam buoy may move differently (in speed and direction) and 

degrade more quickly than an overturned skiff, both of which are examples of confirmed JTMD objects. 

A key component of this variability is driven by the “windage” of an object. This variable, which is 

reflected as a percentage of the wind force, captures the relative influence of wind on a floating object’s 

downwind speed based on the sail area above water relative to the drag created by the area of the 

submerged portion (Figure 1). As an example, a high-floating, high-windage object such as a buoy that 

would be influenced heavily by wind could have a windage value of 5 percent. Conversely, a derelict 

fishing net, which would float below the surface and be primarily influenced by currents, would have a 

windage value close to 0 percent.

Figure 1 – Debris Windage. The speed and direction of a debris objects movement is influenced by its windage. 

“Windage” or “leeway” is a measure of the relative influence of wind on an object based on the combination and 

interaction of how much sail area (surface area above the water’s surface) versus the drag area (area under the 

water’s surface).

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Detecting those marine debris objects through remote sensing requires an understanding of the properties 

of the debris that determine the target profile it presents to sensors and to the analysts who process the 

data those sensors return. This target profile is influenced by a combination of the object’s color, 

composition, size, degree of bio-fouling, and other features. As an example, small or broken-up white 

foam buoys may be difficult to distinguish from sea-surface features (waves, sea-foam) to an analyst, but 

they may have a different spectral signature than the naturally occurring background. Likewise, an 

overturned skiff coated in barnacles may not return the same spectral or visual signature as an upright, 

clean skiff might typically. Understanding the likely target profiles allows for a higher probability of 

detection of debris.

While there have been isolated sightings of large objects, such as large vessels and docks, sightings and 

confirmed objects indicate that the majority of JTMD is similar to typical marine debris. That is, the 

majority of the debris objects are likely to be relatively small in size (less than 2-3 square meters), with 

variability in all other characteristics and properties.

2.2 Modeling JTMD Movement and Concentration

Given the enormity of the area of the North Pacific that JTMD was likely to transit, which measures 

millions of square kilometers, it was important to find ways to focus the limited debris detection resources 

on areas of potential elevated JTMD presence or concentration. 

Multiple government and academic groups began efforts to model the fate and movement of JTMD in the 

months after the tsunami. While early satellite imagery and opportunistic reports from vessels gave 

limited indication of debris types and potential behavior profiles, as time passed from the event, the lack 

of sightings and detection data meant there was limited information from which to construct model 

parameters. NOAA researchers have worked with the GNOME (General NOAA Operational Modeling 

Environment) hindcast computer models to estimate the movement and resulting spread of JTMD since 

the tsunami event (Figure 1). In the GNOME modeling run for JTMD, 8,000 simulated debris particles 

were released from locations on the Japanese coastline where the tsunami wave height was measured at 

3.5 m or higher. In order to simulate the wide diversity in the objects washed to sea by the tsunami, each 

particle was assigned a random windage from 0-5 percent (simulating a variety of items such as a fully 

submerged fishing net moving solely with currents up to an inflatable life-raft driven primarily by winds). 

The movement of these simulated objects, or particles, was then modeled using archived satellite-derived 

measurements of currents and winds up to the time of the run, providing a picture of the overall 

movement and dispersion of the debris up to that point in time. This type of model output is called a 

“hindcast” because the model uses actual wind and current data to simulate and estimate the present 

location and distribution of debris and its path up that point, rather than using either short-term forecast 

data or long-term historical average data to show where debris might go in the future. The initial runs of 

this modeling effort conducted in early 2012 showed the fastest moving and most buoyant simulated 

debris items reaching the Pacific Northwest coast during the winter 2011–2012, with later arrivals of 

lower-windage debris, mixed in with both chronic debris and higher windage JTMD objects that had not 

already been driven ashore.

This modeling output also showed areas of higher concentration for at-sea JTMD, generally in the North 

Pacific to the north of Hawaiދi. Coupled with modeling outputs from other active groups, including the 

University of Hawaiދi International Pacific Research Center and a team led by the Government of Japan 

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Ministry of the Environment, these efforts provided parameters to focus targeted detection activities over 

the course of the overall JTMD response. 

Figure 2 – Debris Modeling. NOAA has used a computer model to simulate movement of tsunami debris from 

March 11, 2011, to the day of the model run. These model runs are termed “hindcasts,” because they use 

retrospective satellite-derived wind and current information to estimate where debris has been based on actual data 

rather than where debris might go in the future based on forecasted conditions. This GNOME simulation is based 

on ocean surface currents from the U.S. Navy (the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model) and winds from NOAA (the 

NOAA blended wind product).

2.3 Direct Detection of JTMD

Direct detection efforts, defined as targeted or opportunistic efforts to identify and record specific debris 

presence and quantity, began immediately after the tsunami with requests to responding agencies for 

imagery and reporting of debris sightings. Many of the initial images and reports came from the U.S.

Navy and other military organizations responding to the humanitarian disaster, as well as the international 

satellite analysis community. However, as the immediate disaster response and nearshore maritime 

presence declined and the debris dispersed offshore, reports declined as well. Following that draw down, 

partners worked to identify potential opportunities for detection or tracking of JTMD in the Eastern 

Pacific area, where much of the JTMD was expected to head. Throughout the summer and fall of 2011, 

opportunistic reports of potential JTMD from ship-based observations were the primary source of 

information, and included two reports of confirmed JTMD to the north and west of Hawaiދi.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Starting in late 2011, NOAA began to work with multiple partners to identify opportunities for targeted 

detection using remote sensing assets deployed from aircraft or satellite platforms. 

2.4 Sensor Types

Successfully identifying the appropriate approach for direct detection of marine debris requires an 

understanding of the characteristics and behavior of the marine debris, and the resulting profile or target 

they can be expected to present to the sensor. Sensors can range in complexity from the simple visual 

imagery to hyperspectral sensors. For the detection of floating debris, it is important to consider a 

sensor’s resolution, the availability of coverage in the area of interest, and the method of analysis to 

initially detect and eventually identify the debris object or objects in the data the sensor returns. A sensor 

with 1 m resolution may be more likely to detect smaller debris or smaller debris collections than the 

same sensor type with 30m resolution. Some sensors, particularly satellite-based sensors, may only cover 

portions of an area-of-interest or may only cover an area at specific times or during specific seasons. 

Furthermore, it’s important to understand what a given sensor is actually detecting (e.g. radar signature, 

multispectral return, panchromatic visual image, etc.), as some may be better at detecting debris under 

different conditions. 

Platforms to deploy these sensors can range from surface (e.g., ship), to aerial (e.g., aircraft, unmanned 

aircraft systems [UAS]) to space (e.g., satellite). Table 1 provides a short description of sensors that may 

be used for direct detection of marine debris, including typical platform pairings, relative cost, and 

whether debris data exist.

Additionally, an important distinction must be made between a sensor’s ability to detect an object or 

anomaly, and the ability to positively identify that object or anomaly. As an example, a large white foam 

buoy that is roughly 1 m wide by 2 m long would show as two white pixels in a 1 m resolution satellite 

image. While it may be possible to notice or detect the presence of the buoy as an anomaly or potential 

object, it will be very difficult from those two pixels to positively identify the buoy or distinguish it 

definitively from naturally occurring phenomenon, such as breaking wave crests. This general 

distinction, and challenge, is true across most sensors, but especially impactful in cases where target 

objects are at the very limit of a sensor’s resolution.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Table 1 – Sensors for At-Sea Detection of Marine Debris.

Sensors potentially applicable for marine debris detection including platforms, relative cost, and known uses. Passive sensors rely on the light or 

energy reflected back to the sensor off of the object, while active sensors emit energy and measure variances in the returned energy. Sensors with 

an existing data set have been used for debris detection or other similar application previously.

Sensor Type Class Description

Platform Pairing

Existing 

Data Set Cost

Used For

Aerial Satellite JTMD General 

Debris

RGB Video Passive Typical red-green-blue (RGB) video sensor, as 

found in common cameras

9 Yes Low Yes Yes

Digital 

Camera

Passive High-resolution still camera 9 9 Yes Low Yes Yes

Infrared 

Camera

Passive Thermal cameras that capture images of heat 

radiated from objects

9 Limited Medium Yes Yes

Hyperspectral Passive Cameras that generate images with more 

spectral information (approximately 30 times as 

much) than the three spectral bands of RGB. 

The data comprise a three-dimensional array 

with two spatial and one spectral dimension.

9 9 No High Unknown Yes

Multispectral Passive Intermediate between three color RGB cameras

and hyperspectral imagers and most commonly 

used from satellite.

9 No Medium Yes Yes

Radar Active A detection system that works by sending out 

pulses of high-frequency electromagnetic waves

that are reflected off the object back to the 

source.

9 No High No No

Light detection 

and ranging 

(LiDAR)

Active A detection system that works on the principle 

of radar but uses light instead of a radio signal. 9 Yes High No Yes

Synthetic 

aperture radar 

(SAR)

Active SAR works by collecting the echo returns from 

many radar pulses and processing them into a 

single radar image.

9 9 Yes High Yes Yes

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

3.0 Direct Detection by Platform

Direct detection involves use of visual and remote sensing from vessels, aircraft, and satellites to locate 

the debris. JTMD detection efforts used multiple platforms, sensors, and observation methods, which are 

listed in this section. In addition, it highlights limitations and gaps for each platform in order to identify 

opportunities for future development and capacity building.

Table 2 – Confirmed JTMD Sightings by Platform.

Platform Potential JTMD Sightings Confirmed JTMD Sightings

Vessels 638 4

Aircraft 12 1

Satellite 0 0

Shore-based Observations 1270 41

Totals 1919 46

As shown in Table 2, more debris sightings have been from vessels (638) and shore-based observations 

(1270) to date, while fewer have been from aircraft (12) and satellite (0). Although fewer detection

reports have come via aircraft and satellite, these platforms do have the ability to cover a larger area more 

rapidly than the other platforms, and have been useful in searches to relocate objects reported by mariners 

(as with the Misawa dock that washed ashore in Washington in December 2012). Similarly, while a 

greater number of sightings have occurred from vessels and shore-based observations, these were 

primarily opportunistic sightings from the general public, community groups, and companies or agencies 

already in the areas based on pre-existing purposes or missions who report on a voluntary basis, rather 

than targeted efforts or assets (e.g., vessels, aircraft, or staff) that are focused primarily on detecting 

marine debris. Opportunistic sightings are useful in detection efforts and essential in gaining information 

in remote areas. However, they also have limitations, such as a lack of consistency between reporting 

protocols and approaches, as well as predictability and control in coverage and frequency. As an 

example, a single report of a confirmed JTMD object by a vessel crew in one location is useful, but the 

overall utility is limited if it is not clear where that crew was before or after the sighting and if they saw 

anything, or were actively on the lookout for debris, in those locations. Reliable reporting on where 

debris was not seen can be almost as important as where debris was seen in order to inform and validate 

modeling parameters.

The remainder of this section is organized by platform type. Where appropriate, platforms are further 

subdivided by the environment where they are being used; at-sea or shoreline. Platform-specific

limitations and potential actions to address those limitations are described in Sections 3.1-3.4 and 

summarized in Table 3.

• Detection Efforts – Summary of JTMD detection efforts until the time of this report;

• Limitations – List and discussion of limitations of detection;

• Possible Actions – List and discussion of possible actions to address the limitations.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Table 3 – Detection Platform: Limitations and possible actions to address those limitations are listed by platform type. A general limitation is 

the lack of dedicated resources for use in targeted detection efforts, though significant progress was made during the JTMD response in building 

partnerships for opportunistic detection efforts across all platform types. 

Limitations Possible Actions

Vessels

• Lack of dedicated resources (vessel time)

• Dependence on voluntary/opportunistic participation

• Physical structure of and line of sight from vessel

• Dependence on weather conditions – sea-state, fog, rain, cloud 

cover, sun angle

• Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) approval process for reporting 

forms

• Identify vessel operators that are optimal partners in detection of 

debris at-sea, based on general structure of vessel fleet, areas of 

operation, and degree of voluntary participation in reporting 

• Conduct targeted outreach and education to partner organizations 

on the limitations identified in this report, and provide survey and 

observation guidelines that address those limitations (e.g., physical 

structure of vessel, line of sight restrictions, watch and observation 

schedules)

• Design a split data stream approach that allows for more robust data 

collection and reporting (including active areas, methods used, 

common vocabularies and debris definitions) by interested partners, 

and separate short form and flexible reporting system for individual 

opportunistic sightings

• Establish a reporting protocol for vessel operators that make routine 

voyages and include in the protocol a request to indicate whether or 

not survey or observation operations were conducted for each 

voyage, or for which part of each voyage

Aircraft: Open Ocean

• Lack of dedicated resources (aircraft time)

• Dependence on voluntary/opportunistic participation

• Limited aircraft range, availability, and altitude

• Dependence on weather conditions – sea-state, fog, rain, cloud 

cover, sun angle

• PRA approval process for reporting forms

• Aircraft operational constraints based on mission, aircraft type

o Flight altitude

o Flight speed

o Flight range

• Request dedicated aircraft time

• Conduct consistent reporting from long-range aircraft operating in 

areas of potential debris aggregation or movement

• Identify aircraft operators that are optimal in detection of debris, 

based on aircraft range, availability, altitude and degree of 

voluntary participation with reporting 

• Conduct outreach to Department of Defense (DOD) and 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for inclusion of marine 

debris survey operations during training flights.

• Determine and capture specific capabilities of sensors for detecting 

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Limitations Possible Actions

o Flight area marine debris 

Aircraft: Shoreline

• Lack of dedicated resources (aircraft time)

• Dependence on voluntary/opportunistic participation

• Type of aircraft/availability

• Shoreline terrain

• PRA approval process for reporting forms

• Aircraft operational constraints based on mission, aircraft type

o Flight altitude

o Flight speed

o Flight range

o Flight area

• Expand to Civil Air Patrol and other compatible flying 

organizations

• Share Alaska shoreline survey protocols and compare lessons 

learned

• Conduct outreach to Department of Defense (DOD) and 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for inclusion of marine 

debris survey operations during training flights over shoreline/near 

shore areas

Satellite

• Sensor applicability for detection of small and mixed debris

• Timeliness of data response (required time and staff possibly not 

available for analysis)

• Ongoing access to satellite imagery

• Determine and capture specific capabilities of sensors for detecting 

marine debris 

• Develop control data showing signatures of known objects in 

different satellite sensor and resolution imagery collections

Limitations Possible Actions

Shore-based Observations: Organized Shoreline Monitoring and Detection Efforts

• Accessibility to some shorelines

• Comparison with other existing data protocols

• Difficulty (excessive rigor/sophistication) of NOAA Marine Debris 

Program (MDP) guidelines for some groups

• Training of volunteers and partner organizations

• PRA approval process for reporting form1 for shoreline reporting

• Create a generally applicable, PRA-approved marine debris 

reporting form for opportunistic sighting and reporting (separate 

from regularly scheduled monitoring), usable in either in online or 

print format

1 Refer to Section 3.1 for more information.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Limitations Possible Actions

Shore-based Observations: Opportunistic Sightings

• Inconsistent coverage

• Lack of correlation between awareness and reports

• Continue education and outreach to the public on types of debris 

that should be reported, how to report found debris and on 

opportunities to participate in voluntary monitoring events

• Design a split data stream approach that allows for continuation of 

more robust data collection and reporting by interested partners, 

and a separate shorter form monitoring protocol and reporting 

system allowing groups or citizens to participate in shoreline 

reporting at a more accessible level

• Pursue options for use of emerging approaches for crowd-sourcing 

of citizen science information using social media, app-enabled 

reporting, or other distributed reporting mechanisms

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

3.1 Vessels

Direct detection from vessel platforms has primarily been based on visual observation from crew 

members. Ongoing opportunistic studies are investigating the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) 

equipped with sensors which can be launched from a vessel to help improve coverage and accuracy of 

direct detection at-sea, but those concepts are still in testing stages. More information on this work can be 

found in the aircraft platform section. However, while UAS tools are being tested for utility in multiple 

scientific missions, they have not yet been employed for systematic or wide-scale marine debris or JTMD 

detection. For debris detection applications, small UAS primarily have served to extend the visual range

from a vessel for either targeted or opportunistic detection. Efforts to detect JTMD have been conducted 

primarily by visual bridge or deck observers on a voluntary basis from a variety of vessel types, which are 

described in Table 4, below.

Detection Efforts

NOAA worked with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) to alert 

ocean-going vessels of tsunami debris, and has asked partners across shipping, scientific, fishing, and 

recreational fleets, who regularly travel the Pacific Ocean, to report any significant sightings with as 

much information as possible (including location, date and time found, photos, and any relevant 

descriptions). This data call was also disseminated to commercial cargo fleets (through the World Ocean 

Council), commercial and recreational fishing vessels, scientific expeditions, and government vessels and 

fleets including NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations’ Pacific fleet2

, U.S. Coast Guard 

(USCG), U.S. Navy, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Contacts were also made through the National 

Weather Service Voluntary Observing Ship Program. Vessels were encouraged to use a pre-established 

marine debris visual survey reporting form3

, and report sightings to a NOAA email account set up for 

JTMD reporting (DisasterDebris@noaa.gov). Recreational mariners participated in reporting possible 

JTMD to NOAA—filling out the visual survey reporting form or emailing the DisasterDebris email 

account directly. In one specific project partner project called the TransPacific Marine Debris Visual 

Survey Project5

, yacht racers reported possible JTMD and carried with them satellite-tracking buoys to 

deploy in case they spot large-sized debris or a concentration of marine debris at-sea. 

These satellite-tracking buoys are pre-existing assets that NOAA has used for tracking derelict fishing 

nets and more general debris movement research programs. They were distributed to NOAA offices in 

each region for tracking any large-scale objects encountered on opportunistic or targeted cruises. . Each 

buoy weighs roughly 11.5 kilograms and is approximately 45 centimeters in diameter by roughly 35 

centimeters high. Partners deploy these buoys according to prescribed guidance by the NOAA Marine 

2 Using NOAA form 57-11-14; not Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) approved; available at

http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~noaaforms/listings_pg6.html

3 Using NOAA form 75-103; PRA-approved and available at 

http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~noaaforms/listings_pg7.html

5 TransPacific Marine Debris Visual Survey Project (http://mdsurvey.wordpress.com)

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Debris Program (MDP). The first of these buoys was attached to a large floating object by a recreational 

sailing vessel returning from Hawaiދi to California in the fall of 2012. It transmitted position data for 

several days before the buoy signal ceased, potentially due to impact with the debris object in wave 

action. Buoys were also deployed to confirm and maintain awareness of the position of the Misawa dock 

that arrived on the Olympic Coast of Washington state in December 2012.

Table 4 – Vessel Types

Purpose Operators General Fleet Description Area of Operation

Commercial

Cruise Industry Sizes vary. Generally longer 

than 200 m

Varies, but primary routes are 

on set patterns between coastal 

ports of call. Vessels operate on 

common routes with predetermined schedules

Ferries Industry Sizes vary. Generally longer 

than 50 m

Typically inland or protected 

waterways, with limited 

exceptions. Vessels operate on 

common routes with predetermined schedules

Fishing Industry Sizes vary widely based on 

fishery

Varies, but generally localized 

by fishery

Shipping (i.e., 

container ships, 

bulk cargo 

carriers, etc.)

Industry Multiple size categories. 

Larger ocean-going ships 

range in length up to over 360 

m. Smaller ships that typically 

operate between smaller ports 

generally range from 100 m to 

200 m

Varies by type and size of 

vessel and cargo. Vessels 

generally operate on common 

routes with pre-determined 

schedules

Other (e.g., 

SCUBA 

charters)

Industry Typically smaller vessels (<20 

m length)

Typically nearshore, with 

unpredictable schedule and 

routes

Government/Academia by purpose

Enforcement NOAA Typically small vessels (<20 m 

length)

Typically nearshore, with 

unpredictable schedule and 

routes

USCG Lightship, Buoy Tender, 

Cutter, Icebreaker

Varies widely by vessel type, 

size and mission

Military U.S. Navy Carriers, Submariners, Sub 

Tenders, Mine Clearance, 

Surface Warfare (Battleships, 

Frigates, Patrol Combatants, 

Cutters)

Varies widely by vessel type, 

size and mission. Locations 

unavailable for security reasons

USCG Lightship, Buoy Tender, 

Cutter, Icebreaker

Varies widely by vessel type, 

size and mission.

Research NOAA Typically greater than 60 m in 

length

Varies widely by vessel type, 

size and mission

Universities/

Other

Types and sizes vary. Varies widely by vessel type, 

size and mission

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Non-government/Private

Advocacy/

Research

Non-profit and 

advocacy 

organizations 

Types and sizes vary Varies widely by vessel type, 

size and project/mission

Recreational 

Boaters

Private citizens Size generally ranges from 2m 

up to longer than 50 m. 

Motorized and non-motorized

Varies. Generally unpredictable 

schedule and routes, apart from 

events

Limitations

• Lack of dedicated resources (vessel time)

• Dependence on voluntary/opportunistic participation

• Physical structure of and line of sight from vessel

• Dependence on weather conditions – sea-state, fog, rain, cloud cover, sun angle

• Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) approval process for reporting forms

The majority of at-sea or vessel-based JTMD reports were based on opportunistic sightings provided to 

NOAA by partner organizations and the general public. This is in part because dedicated resources (i.e., 

vessels or crews) for targeted wide-scale marine debris surveillance are not consistently available. While 

opportunistic reporting is highly valuable, it frequently leads to inconsistent and unpredictable spatial and 

temporal coverage within an area of interest. Additionally, while vessel traffic may pass through the area 

of interest - in this case the area of potential JTMD concentration and transit - routinely (considering

shipping schedules, fishery locations, etc.), it was and is not usually known whether crews maintain a 

routine marine debris watch from the same location on the vessel and at the same time within the transit 

schedule. This consistency is unlikely because vessel crews typically are small in number and occupied 

with their work duties. Therefore, if no reports are received from an area or vessel, it is difficult to know 

whether this indicates a lack of debris within the area of the voyage or that no consistent 

observation/survey effort took place. 

The physical structure of the vessel and the weather conditions at the time of observation are additional 

factors affecting visual detection from the vessel platform. In terms of structure, the success in seeing 

debris depends on the height of the vessel, location of the observer on deck, and the method they are 

using to survey and record any debris that is sighted. Because most sightings are opportunistic, 

standardizing survey and reporting methods is difficult, leading to varying levels of detail in reporting. 

Moreover, weather conditions, including sea-state, fog, heavy rain, cloud cover, or even sun glare can 

reduce or obscure visibility, making coverage from even an active observer unpredictable. 

While some of these challenges could be addressed through a standardized reporting system, the 

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA6

) approval process makes implementing and distributing a written 

6 44 United States Code §3501 et seq. (1980)

14

 
Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

standardized reporting form more challenging. The PRA approval process is triggered when a federal 

agency, such as NOAA, aims to request information from 10 or more persons in the public, and requires 

an Information Collection Request (ICR) be submitted to and approved by the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB), which can take several months. This can make flexible and cooperative design of 

electronic and/or hard copy reporting forms for different platforms challenging. 

Possible Actions

• Identify vessel operators that are optimal partners in detection of debris at-sea, based on the general 

structure and operational area of the vessel fleet and degree of voluntary participation with reporting.

• Conduct targeted outreach and education to partner organizations on the limitations identified in this 

report, and provide survey and observation guidelines that address those limitations (e.g., physical 

structure of vessel, line of sight).

• Design a split data stream approach that allows for more robust data collection and reporting 

(including active areas, methods used, common vocabularies and debris definitions) by interested 

partners, and separate short form and flexible reporting system for individual opportunistic sightings.

• Establish a robust protocol for vessel operators that make routine transits, and include in the protocol 

a request or requirement to indicate their route, and whether or not they conducted survey or 

observation operations for each transit, or for which part of the transit, in order to provide data on 

extent and coverage of debris sightings.

3.2 Aircraft

For JTMD, direct detection from aircraft platforms was performed primarily via visual observation and 

deployment of sensors (i.e., visual and infrared). Similar to the vessel platform, detection efforts were

primarily voluntary and conducted from different aircraft types operated by commercial, governmental,

and non-governmental organizations, as well as by private citizens operating over both the open ocean 

and along shorelines. Different aircraft types were used within these areas. While the capabilities and 

flight profiles of different aircrafts and missions vary widely, a few examples of applicable aircraft types 

and missions are listed below for reference.

Along the shoreline, smaller aircraft, such as single or twin-engine propeller planes (e.g., Cessna 172, 

182, etc.) or helicopters are frequently operated by contracted commercial companies, local government 

air patrol, or private citizens. These smaller aircraft may be equipped with visual or infrared sensors and 

typically operate at altitudes of 500 – 2,000 ft. when collecting data, with a variable range of 600-900

nautical miles (nm). Over the open ocean, larger aircraft such as C130s operated by the U.S. Air Force 

and the USCG, or research aircraft such as the P3 or Gulfstream IV operated by NOAA are potential 

options. The C130—a large, four-engine patrol aircraft flown by the USCG and USAF that has previously

been used for debris detection efforts—has a range of approximately 2,000 nm and the ability to fly also 

at low altitudes (necessary for aerial surveys for marine debris). NOAA and U.S. Navy P3 aircraft, which 

are typically used for atmospheric research and patrol, respectively – have long range and are capable of 

flying at low altitudes. While both USCG C-130 and U.S Navy P3 aircraft offer strong capabilities for 

debris spotting missions, flight time on either aircraft is rarely available based on existing missions and 

agency priorities. The NOAA Gulfstream IV, which was not used, has a range of approximately 3,800 nm 

15
Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

and operates at very high altitude, and is not designed for surface search, making it relatively limited in 

utility for debris detection missions.

A further variable is the familiarity of the onboard observers with open-ocean aerial surveys or searches 

for small objects such as marine debris. Some organizations, such as USCG, regularly practice this skill 

during other missions (search and rescue). Other organizations or individuals have skills that may offer

parallels to debris detection operations, such as aerial wildlife surveys or other spotting and reporting of 

specific targets in the open ocean.

Small UAS were also tested on an opportunistic basis for debris detection capabilities as part of the 

overall response efforts. As mentioned previously, these systems have been primarily deployed in testing 

missions to evaluate their capabilities in adding value to existing operations or fulfilling specific missions 

or tasks to which they are suited (such as observation of sensitive species, which are less likely to be 

disturbed by the relatively quiet small UAS). NOAA partnered with other agencies on two tests of the 

Puma UAS system for marine debris detection at-sea, showing positive results in extending visual survey 

range from a vessel in the right conditions. Field reports for these two efforts are included in the 

appendix to this document.

3.2.1 Open Ocean Aerial Detection

This section describes aerial detection efforts by aircraft on the open ocean, limitations of these, and 

possible actions to address the limitations identified.

Detection Efforts

Through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Notices to Airmen, NOAA asked pilots to report sightings 

to the DisasterDebris@noaa.gov account. The U.S. Air Force also volunteered to report any sightings 

during its North Pacific winter storms mission for the NOAA National Weather Service in 

February/March 2013. Additionally, USCG Districts 14 and 17 included voluntary reporting in their 

enforcement and general patrol missions in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and Alaska, respectively, 

and invited NOAA and other observers to accompany selected missions.

Limitations

• Lack of dedicated resources (aircraft time)

• Dependence on voluntary/opportunistic participation

• Limited aircraft range, availability, and altitude

• Impact of weather to effectiveness, both in terms of capability to operate and in terms of visibility and 

probability of detection due to sea-state, rain, fog, sun angle, or other variables. 

• Aircraft operational constraints based on mission, aircraft type

o Flight altitude

o Flight speed

o Flight range

o Flight area

Similar to observations on vessels, opportunistic aerial surveys can be inconsistent and unpredictable 

without debris-specific effort coverage of the target area. Moreover, targeted overflights are logistically 

16
Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

challenging and are not typically feasible, given available resources and missions already in place for 

capable aircraft. For JTMD, the diverse and widely spread nature of debris concentrations resulted in

significant uncertainty for debris locations, and thus target areas, across the North Pacific Ocean.

Additionally, coverage within many open-ocean target areas was outside the capability of all but the 

largest and longest-range aircraft, which are scarce in number and are in high demand because of their 

utility for other operations. The diversity and mixed composition of JTMD also requires detection 

operations from relatively low altitude (1000-2000 ft.) in order to be consistently successful in detecting 

debris objects that may be present, further limiting the effective range of aircraft. Finally, weather 

variables, including sea-state, rain, clouds, or sun glare, can also obscure or impact the observer’s view, 

negatively impacting the success of detection efforts.

Possible Actions

• Request dedicated aircraft time.

• Conduct consistent reporting from long-range aircraft operating in areas of potential debris 

aggregation or movement.

• Draft and distribute protocol or guidance for aerial observation and reporting of at-sea debris for use 

by participating partners.

• Identify and coordinate with aircraft operators and onboard observers that are optimal for detection of 

debris based on aircraft range, availability, altitude, degree of voluntary participation with reporting, 

and observer experience/skillset.

It may be beneficial to identify a group of assets (equipment) operations (missions) and observers 

(people) that would be best suited for marine debris detection based on aircraft range, flight plan profiles, 

aircraft availability, and observer experience/skillset. Additionally, working to build partnerships with 

other agencies to facilitate collaborative missions that include targeted debris detection components 

would help build capacity for a future event.

3.2.2 Shoreline and Near Shore Aerial Detection

This section describes aerial detection efforts in shoreline and near shore areas, limitations of these, and 

possible actions to address the limitations.

Detection Efforts

Individual states conducted targeted marine debris shoreline aerial surveys. The State of Washington and 

the State of Hawaiދi have also leveraged partnerships with the Civil Air Patrol for opportunistic sightings. 

The shoreline surveying activities by the states are described in more detail as follows:

• Alaska – The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) contracted with 

Airborne Technologies, Inc. (ATI) to conduct an aerial survey of shorelines in the Gulf of Alaska 

region, from Southeast Alaska at Dixon Entrance to Kodiak Island and Tugidak Island for 

tsunami debris. This survey yielded high-resolution photo imagery of beached debris and 

provided a snapshot of debris deposition at the time of the survey in July and August 2012.

Nearly 2,500 miles were surveyed, resulting in over 8,000 high-resolution still images that were 

graded qualitatively for debris density on a 0 to 5 scale. These images indicated high debris 

depositions in historically high concentration areas, but it also highlighted the variable deposition 

17
Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

of debris based on local conditions. Overall, the data indicated qualitative trends in debris 

deposition, and it was later used in debris cleanup prioritization and planning efforts in Alaska. 

The survey used protocols previously established for small-plane-based aerial surveys of 

shorelines that had been used by both ATI and NOAA for previous shoreline debris surveys. The 

State of Alaska contracted with the same group to repeat and extend the survey in the 2014 field 

season, with the goal of updating and comparing debris deposition data between the two years for 

prioritization of ongoing and future cleanup operations.

• Hawaiʻi – USCG Auxiliary in Hawaiދi received approval to assist in three dedicated overflights 

during November and December 2012 for JTMD on shore and within 10-25 miles from shores of 

Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaiދi. Additionally, NOAA worked with the Department of 

Defense to conduct field tests to evaluate the effectiveness of small UAS in detecting simulated 

marine debris off Oahu as part of a larger UAS demonstration and evaluation effort in June, 2012. 

This test showed positive capability in detecting medium sized objects (~1 m +) with the base 

sensor package of the Puma UAS. A full report of this effort is attached in Appendix A.

• Washington – The Washington State Patrol Aviation Section conducted proof-of-concept

targeted shoreline surveys. The Aviation Section uses Cessna fixed-wing aircraft to perform 

public safety missions, including Cessna 206 aircraft equipped with gyro-stabilized Forward 

Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras. In addition, the Washington Wing – Civil Air Patrol provided

information on opportunistic sightings of debris. The initial pilot project encountered difficulties 

in image collection and processing, limiting the amount of usable data that could be gathered. 

In June 2013, NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 

the Olympic National Park and NOAA UAS Program cooperated to conduct UAS operations that 

included shoreline debris surveys. These surveys were planned primarily as test flights to evaluate 

the use of UAS for the annual seabird surveys conducted on the Olympic Coast but were 

expanded to collect imagery for shoreline areas en-route to and from the seabird survey areas, and 

an offshore debris detection evaluation. The UAS surveys were paired with on-site shoreline 

surveys to ground-truth and comparatively measure the effectiveness of the aerial sensors. An 

initial field report from the offshore debris detection effort is available in Appendix B.

Limitations

• Lack of dedicated resources

• Dependence on voluntary/opportunistic participation

• Type of aircraft/availability

• Shoreline terrain suitability for aerial survey

• Aircraft operational constraints based on mission, aircraft type

o Flight altitude

o Flight speed

o Flight range

o Flight area

Without dedicated resources, aerial survey coverage of the target area was inconsistent and unpredictable. 

The shoreline terrain also can affect visibility and detection probability. For example, visually detecting 

18
Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

debris along a rocky or rugged shoreline with many crevasses or heavy vegetation can be more difficult 

than detecting debris on a smoother terrain, such as a sandy beach. These factors play into decision 

making for the timing and overall operational approach for surveys. As an example, surveys in Alaska 

and the Pacific Northwest in early spring may detect more debris before foliage has grown to obscure the 

debris. Furthermore, a more complicated shoreline can increase difficulty of obtaining consistent flight 

and image data at the appropriate altitudes, and increase the safety risk of the operation. Because many 

flights are opportunistic, the standard flight profile is frequently a limitation because the pre-existing 

mission involves flying not at a low enough altitude or speed to effectively or reliably detect marine 

debris.

Possible Actions

• Expand to Civil Air Patrol or other compatible flying organizations in other states.

• Share Alaska shoreline protocols and compare lessons learned with efforts in other locations.

• Conduct outreach to Department of Defense (DOD) and other agencies for inclusion of marine debris

survey operations during training flights over shoreline/near shore areas.

• Continue to evaluate opportunities for cooperative shoreline aerial surveys, using manned or 

unmanned platforms.

Each state impacted by JTMD approached detection of shoreline marine debris from aerial platforms

differently. In preparation for future responses, states and partners can learn from one another by

continuing to share experiences, protocols, and lessons learned. For example, the use of Civil Air Patrol 

for opportunistic sightings in Washington may be an option for other states. Additionally, shoreline 

protocols and lessons learned during the aerial surveys in Alaska may be shared with other states for 

informational purposes and for redistribution to the general public via appropriate state websites. This 

information may be useful for recreational pilots and others seeking to conduct shoreline aerial surveys. 

Finally, the DOD is a potential resource that may offer additional expertise and operational assets for 

shoreline marine debris detection. Outreach to the DOD could include a request for inclusion of marine 

debris survey operations during training flights over shoreline/near shore areas. Many of these 

connections were made through NOAA-facilitated interagency briefing calls, but further interactions 

between the multiple active state and federal agencies will ensure ongoing cross-pollination of ideas and 

methods.

3.3 Satellite

Satellite-gathered sensor data has the potential to provide data over a much wider area than any other 

method. However, the highly varied composition and predominantly small size of debris means it is at 

the boundary of detection capabilities for most sensors. Table 1 lists possible sensor types. This section 

describes detection efforts via satellites, limitations of these, and possible actions to address the 

limitations.

Detection Efforts

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Immediately after the tsunami, images from multiple satellites became available from a variety of sources, 

including the U.S. Geological Survey, the European Space Agency’s Rolling Archives, and a joint 

NASA/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency website. Some of this imagery was provided through the 

International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, which provides short-term unrestricted access to 

satellite imagery in cases of identified disasters. NOAA NESDIS analyzed these data, and the results

indicated large fields of debris were visible in 15-30 m resolution imagery. However, by April 2011, these 

fields of debris had dispersed such that items were no longer visible to these sensors, which were still 

focused primarily on the near-shore areas as part of the overall disaster response effort.

Based on the broad size diversity of debris that has been opportunistically sighted and confirmed as 

JTMD, sensors operating at high resolution (1-5 m) were expected to provide the best capability to detect 

the widest range of both general debris and JTMD, both by being able to detect smaller objects, and 

ideally by being able to differentiate different types of large objects from each other. 

Beginning in early 2012, the NOAA MDP began working with the NOAA NESDIS Satellite Analysis 

Branch (SAB) to request higher resolution (1-5 m) satellite imagery from the National GeospatialIntelligence Agency (NGA) for specific areas of interest as identified by the NOAA Marine Debris 

Program (MDP), based on modeling efforts. The sensors employed varied by the specific area of interest

and data availability, but included Synthetic Aperture Radio (SAR) and visual and multispectral sensors,

all at high resolution. Figure 2 shows the process by which the NOAA MDP requested and received

satellite imagery from NGA. Once received, NESDIS SAB technicians processed the imagery. This group 

has continued to identify and evaluate new approaches and methods to analyze debris presence and 

absence throughout the response. This has included analysis of data from areas with known debris 

targets, as well as analysis of data from areas expected to have low debris density in order to provide 

context and comparison to data from areas of interest for JTMD.

Based on their results, NESDIS SAB shifted their approach over the course of the response to a 

persistence analysis method, whereby multiple images are taken of the same area a few seconds apart. 

Comparing the images allows for improved identification and disqualification of waves and other water 

features, which could otherwise be mistaken for debris.

20
Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Figure 3 –JTMD Satellite Data Request Flow Chart.

Process by which NOAA MDP worked with NOAA NESDIS to request, process, and receive imagery and 

analysis outputs for identified areas of interest. Numbered action boxes are color coded to correspond 

with the acting organization (blue = MDP, green = NESDIS, red = NGA). NOAA NESDIS coordinated 

both the direct requests to NGA and the processing of the resulting imagery.

NOAA also worked in the summer of 2012 with partners at NESDIS and NGA to codify a standardized 

Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for a JTMD Rapid Response Satellite Request, designed to increase 

the speed of rapid requests for acquisition and analysis of imagery to detect or confirm a large object of 

specific interest or threat. The trigger for this CONOPS was generally a sighting or other report of an 

object or objects that could pose a human hazard (hazard to navigation, hazardous materials, etc.) and are 

of size or in concentrations that could potentially be detected by satellite. The request process is the same

as that shown in Figure 2; however, this is an expedited request with shorter turnaround time for 

acquiring and analyzing imagery. For rapid response requests, the goals are to obtain imagery within 24-

72 hours of the request and analyze the imagery within a total elapsed time of 72-96 hours.

To date, no confirmed debris sightings have occurred via satellite. NESDIS SAB, which performed the

analysis, indicated that cloud cover and sea-state have obscured the majority of the images obtained. In 

cases where there was good visibility, detection or identification of small (<2-3 square meters) objects 

was difficult, though the presence of large objects or aggregated fields of debris could be ruled out. 

In cases where an anomaly was detected, identifying it as marine debris remained a challenge, based on 

the detection versus identification difficulties previously identified in this report. Those challenges are 

complicated by the fact that, as previously noted, JTMD types and compositions were and are very 

diverse, so the satellite sensors and analysis approach cannot be optimized to target any one specific size, 

shape, or composition of debris. Rather, the sensor or mix of sensors must be able to identify diverse 

debris items within the target areas.

Limitations

21
Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

• Sensor applicability for detection of small and mixed debris

• Staff time and effort required for imagery analysis

• Timeliness of data response (required time and staff possibly not available for analysis)

• Ongoing access to satellite imagery due to other mission priorities

As indicated in Section 2.1.4, a wide range of possible sensors have been considered, though these 

sensors were developed for applications other than marine debris detection. Initial results show that 

visual and multi-spectral data were the most useful in debris detection efforts, while Synthetic Aperture 

Radar (SAR) sensors were less useful based on the lack of consistent large debris targets, and the inherent 

difficulty with identification with radar data. Further field testing could be beneficial in narrowing the 

field and possibly identifying the optimally appropriate sensor(s).

Processing satellite imagery is labor intensive because of the large number of satellite images produced 

for one target area and the many steps required to evaluate the imagery for debris presence or absence. 

The images—typically at 1 m resolution—require both automatic and manual analyses, cross-checks to 

identify any potential anomalies, and then further analysis to determine if a detected anomaly may be

marine debris. These analyses occur based both on the signature of the object in the imagery and the 

persistence of the object (natural phenomena such as breaking waves do not appear on successive

images). Because little control data are available to define the “signature” or “profile” for marine debris 

(what the debris looks like) in a satellite image, the confirmation process is often inconclusive. Moreover, 

competing priorities can decrease staff availability for these analyses.

Additionally, consistent access to satellite data and analysis resources was and is is a long term limitation 

both for JTMD efforts and future efforts. The NGA was a primary resource for obtaining satellite data and 

has been highly supportive of JTMD detection efforts. The mission of NGA is to provide timely, relevant, 

and accurate geospatial intelligence information in support of U.S. national defense and natural disasters.

Given this, on a long-term basis (beyond the time span for detection efforts of JTMD), the capability to

request satellite imagery from the NGA may be diminished, reducing the capability to track debris 

consistently from the time of release in an acute event through to the time items are so widely dispersed 

that they can’t be detected even by high resolution sensors (in the JTMD response, debris data from 

immediately after the event was from mid-resolution imagery focused nearshore). 

Finally, NESDIS SAB has been highly supportive of the debris detection mission, providing analysis and 

consultation throughout the response as part of their base support to NOAA and other clients. This 

support has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of the strengths and limitations of debris 

detection using satellite sensors under real-world conditions. The capabilities that have been and will be 

developed will help in selecting and applying the best mix of satellite imagery to collect and analyze in 

future acute debris release events.

Possible Actions

• Identify, document, and communicate the specific capabilities of sensors for detecting different types 

of marine debris under different sets conditions.

• Develop control data showing signatures of different types of debris object by size, composition and 

stage of degradation.

22
Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

To improve analysis of satellite imagery, it would be helpful to develop control data or a “search image” 

of what marine debris looks like in data from each of the satellite sensors likely to be used in detection 

activities. NOAA most recently attempted this in a June 2012 field experiment in Hawaiދi. NOAA and 

NGA tested satellite detection of simulated in-situ debris off of Haleiwa, on the north shore of Oahu. 

Simulated debris objects, deployed from a chartered vessel offshore of Oahu, were designed to present 

diverse target profiles during six satellite passes, using multiple sensors. The objective was to evaluate 

effectiveness of different sensors and identify potential debris “signatures.” Unfortunately, results of this 

test were inconclusive via the most applicable visual and multi-spectral sensor types due to local cloud

cover. As mentioned previously, a more complete report of this effort is available in Appendix A. 

Additional tests of this type may help in developing control data for analysts working to process satellite 

images of possible debris in the future, and are of continuing interest to NESDIS, as well as the overall 

marine debris community.

3.4 Shore-based Observations

As mentioned previously, NOAA found that most of the marine debris generated by the Japan tsunami is

difficult to distinguish definitively from the normal marine debris that washes ashore every day in 

Hawaiދi, Alaska, and along the West Coast of North America. Although some objects may have unique 

identifiable markings such as a name or license/registration number, the number of these objects

compared with other types is low. As a result, primary indications that JTMD items were making landfall 

within a region could at times best be detected by tracking changes in the quantity or composition of 

debris compared to what was normally observed within that region. To identify these increases, NOAA 

worked with partners to collect (and is continuing to collect) shoreline monitoring data and opportunistic 

debris sighting reports.

3.4.1 Shoreline Monitoring and Detection

This section describes detection efforts via shoreline monitoring and detection, limitations of these, and 

possible actions to address the limitations.

Shoreline Monitoring Efforts

NOAA worked with federal, state, and local partners to acquire baseline information on the marine debris 

currently deposited on U.S. coastlines, along with, and in advance of, the expected influx of tsunami 

debris. These efforts are detailed in a separate document (Lippiatt et al., 2013) but are briefly summarized 

here. Using standardized shoreline monitoring protocols developed by the NOAA MDP, baseline marine 

debris surveys were conducted regularly on shorelines in Alaska, California, Oregon, the Hawaiian 

Islands, and Washington over a 2-year period. For example, NOAA worked with Sustainable Coastlines 

Hawaiދi and other non-governmental organizations to monitor shorelines across the main Hawaiian 

Islands. On the West Coast, Olympic Coast and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries 

engaged their volunteer networks to establish monitoring sites. In southeast Alaska, a NOAA team 

conducted vessel-based surveys at multiple sites during summer 2012 and 2013, evaluating new NOAA 

MDP protocols and extending a time series of marine debris monitoring data for the state that dates to the 

1980s. 

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

These shoreline monitoring results helped identify the types of items arriving onshore and when and 

where JTMD may be making landfall, based on changes in both composition and quantity of debris over 

time. NOAA has developed a database to capture and catalogue the monitoring results for ongoing

analysis and comparisons with future debris accumulation data.

High Frequency (HF) radar was also considered for shoreline-based detection but ultimately ruled out for 

future action. HF radar is a system used to measure surface current direction and speed. After evaluation 

and consultation with subject matter experts, NOAA concluded that HF radar is not likely to directly 

detect debris within its coverage area. This is primarily because objects could only be detected by HF 

radar if they are large (over 10-20 m). Also, the objects must move against the current, and debris 

typically moves with the current. This is because HF radar is typically used to detect and measure 

currents, so objects can only be distinguished based on differences in speed and direction from the speeds 

of the currents the radar sets are designed to detect.

Limitations

• Accessibility to rugged and/or remote shorelines

• Lack of consistency/predictability of shoreline coverage by visual or sensor-driven detection efforts

• Challenges in comparison/standardization with other existing data protocols

• Training of volunteers and partner organizations

• Level of complexity and time required for shoreline monitoring protocol exceeding 

capacity/availability for some partners

• PRA approval for reporting form7 for shoreline reporting

In remote locations, establishing a monitoring site is more difficult. This limited accessibility can lead to 

inconsistent coverage of the coastline both by number of sites and by frequency of data collection. In 

addition, while the NOAA shoreline monitoring protocol was well received and adopted by many groups, 

the level of complexity and training it required was an obstacle for some groups whose field and/or 

training times were limited. This also contributed to limited or uneven coverage.

Possible Actions

• Continue coordination with groups, agencies, and citizens that collect observations or conduct 

monitoring for other topics issues.

• Design a split data stream approach that allows for continuation of more robust shoreline monitoring 

by interested partners, and creates a separate shorter form monitoring protocol and reporting system

allowing groups or citizens to participate in shoreline reporting at a more accessible level.

• Pursue options for use of emerging approaches for crowd-sourcing of citizen science information 

using social media, app-enabled reporting, or other distributed reporting mechanisms.

3.4.2 Opportunistic Sightings (Shoreline & Near Shore)

7 Refer to Section 3.1 for more information.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

This section describes detection efforts via opportunistic shoreline sightings, limitations of these, and 

possible actions to address the limitations.

Detection Efforts

Public and media interest in JTMD has been high. This has in turn led to a high number of opportunistic 

reports of potential JTMD from beach-goers in states across the Pacific region. Resources such as the

NOAA MDP website and state and local government websites have provided guidelines and information 

on how and where to report marine debris. The specific information varies, but generally includes

guidance on safe handling and appropriate reporting based on the object type and any special 

characteristics (personal markings, evidence of invasive species, etc.). Sightings are primarily tracked

through NOAA’s JTMD-specific reporting email system at DisasterDebris@noaa.gov. However, state 

and local governments have in some cases also established their own web reporting forms, phone 

hotlines, or email addresses in order to build awareness and and integrate sightings response into existing 

structures. In those cases, sightings were shared with the NOAA reporting system, though at times this 

created the need to expend effort in finding and removing duplicate reports.

Limitations

• Inconsistent and unpredictable reporting effort/coverage by the public based on seasonality, 

accessibility and visitation

• Increased awareness being driver of increased reports, rather than increased debris densities

As could be expected, the increased interest in JTMD drove an increase in reports of possible JTMD as 

awareness and observing effort increased. Likewise, there were more reports from public beaches and 

shoreline areas with frequent visitors than from shoreline areas with limited access. This led to 

inconsistent coverage and relatively more reports from more accessible areas and areas with more traffic,

which may not in fact have had the highest debris loads. However, many of these reports were of debris 

items that are likely to be general debris and not JTMD, though they cannot be confirmed either positively 

or negatively based on their general nature.

Possible Actions

• Continue education and outreach to the public on types of debris that should be reported, how to 

report, and opportunities to participate in organized volunteer monitoring events.

• Work with partners to draft and publish a less sophisticated, PRA-approved marine debris reporting 

form for opportunistic sighting and reporting (separate from regularly scheduled monitoring).

Since public interest in JTMD was high starting with the event and initial sightings, it provided an 

important opportunity to inform more individuals on the general marine debris issue and increase 

participation in shoreline monitoring events, local cleanups, and encourage behavior modification that 

reduces the chronic long-term introduction of marine debris. From March 2011 through the time of this 

writing, NOAA held more than 100 public meetings throughout Alaska, California, Oregon, Hawaiދi and 

Washington, and conducted hundreds of media interviews on JTMD. NOAA and partner organizations 

have prepared webpages dedicated to the topic with fact sheets, brochures and other educational resources

available for download. This type of activity should be continued into the future where possible, with a 

focus on public engagement and education.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

4.0 Conclusion

Marine debris is an ongoing problem with day-to-day impacts. The Japan tsunami and other natural 

disasters both contribute to and raise awareness of the problem. The 7ǀKRNu earthquake and the tsunami 

it caused were tragic events that created catastrophic damage onshore in addition to the debris they 

released into the ocean. One positive aspect that can be taken was the unprecedented opportunity for the 

marine debris community to learn invaluable lessons on the behavior and movement of marine debris, and 

a better understanding of the marine debris community’s capabilities, limitations, and needs in modeling 

and detecting that debris as it migrated across the Pacific. 

For both general marine debris and the JTMD, reliable detection and reporting is important to helping us 

better understand the quantity, composition and movement of floating debris and better assess and prepare 

for the potential impacts it might cause. In the case of the detection efforts for JTMD, while there was 

significant involvement and engagement from the public and agencies at the federal, state and local level, 

many of the lessons-learned illustrated the significant challenges and limitations that come into play when 

searching for diverse objects in a very large potential debris zone. 

Opportunistic ship and shore-based sightings provided the majority of data inputs to the marine debris 

community, either through the DisasterDebris@noaa.gov reporting system, or through various state and 

academic reporting systems. These were an invaluable source of qualitative information on overall debris 

trends at the aggregate level, and in the case of confirmed objects, they also provided definitive evidence 

of the spread of JTMD. For future events, building a more robust reporting system that is intuitive for the 

user but still provides consistent data that can be easily shared within the marine debris community – 

including responders, researchers, and public outreach personnel – is a clear opportunity to increase

capacity and improve detection. 

A key feature of a future reporting system should also be the ability for interested mariners or aviators to 

report not only debris sightings, but also report routes traveled and areas where no debris was sighted. 

This information, while not as intuitively useful, can be invaluable as an input to modeling efforts, and 

also can help provide a clearer picture of how debris is moving over time.

Aerial detection of marine debris has been shown to be effective both on shore and at-sea, but it is also 

very logistically challenging given the high cost and demand for aircraft time. This is exacerbated when 

target areas are more remote and require both more time and more capable aircrafts. In JTMD detection 

efforts, aerial detection at-sea was primarily dependent on voluntary/opportunistic reporting from 

government aircraft performing their primary missions. To prepare for future events, it will be important 

to maintain awareness and contacts with agencies and organizations that regularly conduct aircraft 

operations and to develop methods for them to easily report any debris sightings. Additionally, 

identifying overlaps in mission designs that allow for debris surveys to be incorporated more easily will 

help target outreach and requests in the event of a future event that triggers an acute release of marine 

debris. 

Shoreline aerial survey for marine debris was successful in areas where a consistent protocol and 

experienced crews were available (Alaska), but less successful in areas where less structured methods 

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

were used. In all areas, shoreline aerial survey is highly dependent on weather, and requires significant 

effort in post-processing to create a product that is informative for assessment and/or operational 

planning. 

Satellite detection has been an area of significant effort and interest within the marine debris community, 

as well as the public, especially for distant, open-water areas. While direct detection of small objects has 

proven to be difficult with commercial satellite data, the data and results have been very valuable, in 

concert with opportunistic reports, in confirming the lack of any large debris concentrations or “islands”, 

which was a public concern throughout the JTMD response. Furthermore, the efforts have provided an 

invaluable opportunity to evaluate satellite collection and analysis techniques using a real-life debris 

scenario. Based on results to date, in a future event maintaining active surveillance of debris as it

disperses from the source would offer the best chance at establishing clear thresholds for successful

detection in terms of debris density and size. It is also clear that only high resolution (<5m) sensors 

should be used for debris after it has scattered. However, as resolution increases, coverage area decreases 

in a natural trade-off that gives a “soda-straw” view of an area of interest, reducing the coverage area that

can be surveyed and increasing the post-processing effort on a per-area basis. It is important to take this

trade-off and a realistic expectation for the capabilities and limitations of satellite sensors in general into 

account when scoping and planning satellite detection efforts. Development and testing of analysis 

techniques is ongoing, and will continue to be an important opportunity for building of capacity and 

understanding for future responses to acute debris release events.

A common challenge across all remote sensing approaches (primarily satellite, but aerial and UAS efforts 

as well) was the difference between detection and identification of a target or anomaly. When a target is 

at the edge of a sensor’s capabilities for resolution, it can be consistently possible to detect the object but 

much more challenging to identify or distinguish it with any certainty. As the resolution and 

sophistication of commercially available remote sensing data continues to increase, this challenge may 

well become less of a limiting factor in debris surveys. However, the increase in availability of highresolution sensors in the long term will also likely increase the need for automated anomaly detection 

analysis of imagery to prevent a shift of the limitation from sensor capability to analysis time and effort. 

Efforts to address these limitations through planning and partnerships continue and will require ongoing 

collaboration and communication across the marine debris community, including federal, state, local and 

tribal government as well as partners in industry, academic and non-governmental circles.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

5.0 References

Lippiatt, S., Opfer, S., and Arthur, C. 2013. Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment. NOAA Technical 

Memorandum NOS-OR&R-46. 

National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA). 2012. “NOAA’s Japan Tsunami Marine 

Debris Response Update.” Draft, July 25.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

5.0 Appendices

5.1 Appendix A – June 2012 Debris Detection Testing Report

NOAA DEBRIS DETECTION TESTING – JUNE 19-20, 2012

INTERIM REPORT – JULY 3, 2012

SUMMARY:

On June 19 and 20, 2012, NOAA and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) conducted 

testing of satellite detection of simulated in-situ debris as part of a previously scheduled Unmanned 

Aerial Systems (UAS) test off of Haleiwa, HI. Simulated debris objects were successfully deployed from a 

chartered vessel offshore of HI, designed to present diverse targets for a total of six satellite passes 

using multiple sensors, as well as the visual and infrared sensors on board the Puma UAS. This test 

targets evaluation of detection capabilities across multiple sensor types against controlled/simulated 

debris to evaluate effectiveness and identify potential “signatures” to inform ongoing analysis. UAS 

sensors were able to clearly image the debris objects, as expected. Some satellite passes were impacted 

by cloud-cover while others were unaffected. NOAA NESDIS and NGA are analyzing satellite data, with 

additional outputs expected in coming weeks.

BACKGROUND:

One of the chief ongoing questions in the response to marine debris generated by the Japan tsunami is 

identifying the location, composition and quantity of the debris left afloat. Japanese government 

estimates indicate that 1.5 million tons of this debris was drawn back into the Pacific Ocean by the 

retreating wave. This debris spread out to the point that low-resolution satellites could no longer detect 

it past early April 2011. Since then, NOAA has been working with partners in USCG, NOAA NESDIS, and 

the NGA (National Geospatial Intelligence Agency) to model and detect the movement and distribution 

of this debris, now understood to be spread widely into a very 

large target area (estimated to be roughly 3x the size of the 

continental United States. To date, NOAA has requested over 

400,000 square kilometers of high-resolution imagery, targeted 

based on modeling and opportunistic observation inputs, with 

no debris sightings confirmed and limited anomalies under 

ongoing investigation. While some of this area has been 

obscured by cloud cover or compromised by sea-state, in cases 

where imagery has been unobstructed, the question remains 

whether sensors are not detecting debris because it is not 

present in the target areas, or if the sensors themselves are not capable of detecting smaller debris 

objects that are believed to comprise a significant component of the total quantity of debris. Better 

understanding the effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of these sensors will aid in future detection efforts 

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

in selecting the correct mix of sensors and target locations to inform modeling, planning and response 

efforts.

EFFORT:

In order to directly test the ability of satellite-based sensors to detect debris, NOAA deployed simulated 

debris objects from a vessel previously scheduled to take part in trial operations of the Puma UAS 

(Unmanned Aerial System) in restricted airspace off the north shore of Oahu (green-shaded area in 

image). This area was chosen because UAS operations are limited by airspace permitting to operate 

within specific airspace and under specific clearance.

In this test, 12 simulated debris objects were deployed from a charter vessel, rigged at regular intervals 

on a long line to prevent loss and track location to inform satellite analysis. These objects were 

assembled to mimic common debris items by composition and size, ranging from fishing nets to metal 

small debris. The deploying vessels themselves were also important targets for detection, as they 

represent larger targets of varying compositions.

A total of six satellite passes were tasked to collect imagery in a small (~5 km x ~5 km) target area where 

debris was deployed, at times ranging from 6:20 AM to 6:38 PM. Satellite sensors ranged from Synthetic 

Aperture Radar (SAR) to Visual and Multispectral data.

During mid-day satellite passes, occurring between 11:20 and 11:30 AM, the Puma also overflew the 

debris, as well as other simulated targets. This is a precursor to later testing of both the Puma and 

Resolution UAS systems prior to deployment in 2013 for debris detection.

More details on the operation, including diagrams of the area, images of sample debris and support 

assets can be found in the supporting graphical operational report.

RESULTS:

As expected, the Puma system was able to detect and identify the debris objects with high accuracy and 

repeatability while operating at altitudes of 200-500 ft. While debris detection was not the primary 

focus of the UAS trial operation, these outputs will be instructive in the structuring of later tests in 

September/October, pending completion of new optical sensor payloads for both the Puma and 

Resolution UAS. 

Visual / multispectral passes were at least partially obscured by cloud cover, illustrating the 

unpredictable applicability of visual detection. However, SAR passes in the early morning and evening of 

06/20 will be unaffected by cloud cover. Analysis of all data is ongoing at the time of this report 

(07/03/12), with additional outputs expected in coming weeks.

For more information on this project, please contact 

Peter Murphy – NOAA Marine Debris Program

peter.murphy@noaa.gov

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

206.526.4661

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

5.2 Appendix B – June 2013 Olympic Coast UAS Debris Detection 

Testing Field Report

Olympic Coast UAS Survey Operation

Debris Mission Report

Peter Murphy, NOAA Marine Debris Program

Summary – In June 2013, the NOAA UAS Program cooperated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA 

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Working as part of a larger pilot project to evaluate the use of 

UAS assets in scientific missions on the Olympic Coast. The project had three components; shoreline 

seabird survey, shoreline debris detection, and at-sea debris detection. Shoreline debris detection was 

conducted on an opportunistic basis integrated into the overall seabird survey plan. At-sea detection 

operations were conducted as the schedule for the primary seabird survey operations allowed. Working 

within these considerations, a total of one day of at-sea detection operations was conducted based from 

the NOAA R/V Tatoosh, roughly 20 miles offshore WSW of La Push, WA. During this day, NOAA AOC 

crew flew three Puma sorties, taking advantage of favorable weather to combine two survey plans into a 

single day. Two debris objects were sighted visually during these sorties, and post-processing is ongoing 

to identify any other potential debris objects.

Background – The specific detection areas were selected based on satellite sea-surface temperature 

data showing surface convergence zones. A total of four survey days were planned based on the 

convergence data. The concept of operations for the 

Puma UAS system were planned to optimize coverage 

area at altitudes estimated to successfully detect 

debris objects of roughly 0.25 square meters. 

Methods – Offshore debris survey 06/22 – Offshore 

debris surveys were based from the R/V Tatoosh. 

Waypoints for vessel travel were designated with the 

goal of crossing sea surface temperature fronts, as 

these were expected to create convergence and 

potentially higher debris concentrations. The Puma 

system was launched from the deck of the Tatoosh, 

and followed a pre-programmed search area set as a fixed rectangular area measuring 1 mile to the port 

and starboard of the vessel, and 0.5 mile fore and aft relative to the position of the control station on 

the vessel. The UAS then flew a course calculated to maintain position in advance of the vessel, and 

cover as much area within the rectangle as possible, as illustrated in the image below. Because the 

vessel was in motion, the actual course of the UAS appeared diagonal in order to maintain pace with the 

moving ground station. 

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

A total of three sorties were flown during the survey day. Initial survey was done at 500 ft altitude, 

while later sorties were flown at 400 ft to allow for increased resolution on potential debris targets.

During each sortie, the NOAA AOC pilots managed the aircraft and reported any notable objects sighted 

in the aircrafts field of view. An additional observer watched the mirrored aircraft view display for 

objects, noting concentrations of marine vegetation that could also indicate areas of convergence. The 

ship’s crew (captain and mate) also observed the horizon for potential debris objects. Any sightings 

were logged in order to aid post-processing, which was to be performed by Airborne Technologies, Inc. 

Results – Three total sorties were conducted, with each flight lasting 1-2 hrs. Due to favorable weather 

conditions, the crew was able to combine two survey day plans into one operational day. A total of two 

(2) confirmed debris objects were sighted during the surveys: a small orange buoy, and a small white 

buoy. However, there were numerous anomalies that will be further evaluated in post-processing by 

Airborne Technologies, Inc.

Primary Outputs – Overall, the Puma system performed very effectively in the open ocean debris 

detection testing mission. The survey planning software allowed for consistent coverage of an area 

relative to the vessel position, and resolution was sufficient for identification of objects at the targeted 

size. During the operation, additional points for future consideration and note were identified, these are 

captured below.

1. Weather Tolerance – When operating in open water, the sea-state frequently became a 

controlling factor for safe retrieval of the aircraft from the water before winds would have 

restricted actual flight operations. While this is intuitively correct based on wind effect on 

waves in open water, it places an emphasis on sea-state in operational planning.

2. Sensor Resolution – The base five-megapixel payload on the Puma provided sufficiently detailed 

imagery for detection of objects (noting their presence), though identification (determining 

what the object actually is) was challenging. This capability will be improved by the 

development of higher-resolution sensors mated to the Puma system, which are understood to 

be underway by Aerovironment and other firms.

3. Field of view – The base sensor payload on the Puma has a relatively limited field of view in 

comparison to a human observer. While this can be compensated for during survey operations 

through route planning, it can be a challenge if an object is sighted and the operator wants to 

return to revisit that object. This is more easily done on-shore, but at-sea where there are very 

few points of reference and the base-station is in motion it can be difficult to reacquire a given 

object or area once the vehicle -and thus the camera - has passed over it. This emphasizes the 

importance of advance survey planning.

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Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Detection Report 

Conclusion – The Puma system has significant advantages in extending visual survey range from a given 

platform as well as in accessing focused/small areas of difficult or restricted terrain eliminating the risk 

to crew and minimizing or even negating impact or disturbance to species or habitat. Survey ranges are 

limited based on a combination of aircraft range and airspace clearances, making small UAS primarily 

valuable in localized operations at present. However, the combination of portability and low impact 

make small UAS such as the Puma a potentially highly valuable tool for debris detection and survey 

operations as a piggyback to existing vessel operations, or as a primary mission in focused shoreline 

areas where access is restricted by topography and safety or the presence of sensitive species.

34
Penny Pritzker

United States Secretary of Commerce

Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan

NOAA Administrator and Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere

Dr. Russell Callender

Acting Assistant Administrator, National Ocean Service