Invasive species galore (Washington Department of Ecology)

A profusion of Japanese skiffs unmoored by the 2011 tsunami washing up on the West Coast has surprised researchers – and raised concerns over potential invasive species.

Since April 23, nine skiffs have been found on Washington, Oregon and California beaches, initially an average rate of one every 38 hours, increasing to about one skiff discovery per day. On each boat, living Japanese mussels remained attached and several had living Japanese crustaceans and other Japanese species as well, triggering alerts from a team of scientists studying the tsunami debris. That other, as yet unreported, vessels have arrived and are now arriving between California and British Columbia is widely accepted, and more are likely on their way.

Today at noon on Coastal Currents, KHUM’s Mike Dronkers and yours truly will talk to Dr. John Chapman of Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center about what this means, what beachgoers should watch for, how to report skiffs or other debris sightings and more. Tune into 104.7 FM or listen via the KHUM stream.

PREVIOUSLY:

This Week in Ocean: Tsunami Debris Hits Cali

Tsunami Debris In Crescent City?

Marine mammal struggles continue

Last week, we noted the vast numbers of seal and sea lion pups starving along California’s north and central coasts. Tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. on KHSU 90.5 FM, the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center‘s Janet Dickey talks about the perils faced by young elephant seals, why the center is currently waist-deep in pups and why one blind seal pup was Fed Ex’ed to Pittsburgh. Tune into the EcoNews Report for the full stories.

PacOut Green Team update

Pacific Outfitters will provide free SUP and Kayak rentals (while supplies last) for those wanting to join this Saturday’s water-based cleanup. Meet at the boat ramp at Halvorsen Park – under the first bridge from Eureka – at 8:30 a.m. The team will meet back at the launch no later than 11 a.m. All SUPs and kayaks are welcome! See the PacOut Green Team Facebook page for more details.

Jennifer Savage serves as Coastal Programs Director for the Northcoast Environmental Center and chairs the Surfrider Foundation’s Humboldt Chapter.