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SOLVE to Coordinate Beach Cleanup After Japan Tsunami

Article Imagecourtesy of solv.org The Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami resulted in approximately 5 million tons of debris being washed into the Pacific Ocean. Most of that debris sank off the coast of Japan, but an estimated that 1.5 million tons of debris was caught by currents and could be heading for the western coast of the United States.

The Japan Environmental Action Network (JEAN), a non-governmental organization, accompanied by observers from Japan's Ministry of the Environment, will join SOLVE, Ocean Conservancy, and beach cleanup coordinators from Alaska, Hawaii and Washington to exchange experiences, examine response efforts so far and discuss what is needed in the future.

The August conference in Portland will begin with a site survey and beach cleanup in Cannon Beach. SOLVE is coordinating the cleanup with the support of the City of Cannon Beach.

SOLVE was the first in the nation to create a volunteer driven state-wide beach cleanup, and the SOLVE model for organizing and mobilizing volunteers has been adopted as a key element in Oregon's tsunami debris response.

"The key to responding to this challenge to our coastal environment lies with educating and activating volunteers," said Tom Koecher, SOLVE Board President. "Hundreds are needed in this effort. It is up to us, the people who care for our coastline and take responsibility for it, to step up."

The Oregon fall beach cleanup has been enrolled as a partner in the International Coastal Cleanup, coordinated by Ocean Conservancy, since 1988. By including our cleanup in this world-wide event, Oregonians are able to contribute data that provides insight into the global litter issue.

For questions regarding SOLVE's role, please contact Briana Goodwin at (503) 844-9571 x317 or briana@solv.org.

SOLVE was founded in 1969 and was among the first in the nation to pioneer volunteer beach cleanups. SOLVE's mission is to bring Oregonians together to improve the environment and build a legacy of stewardship.

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