Washing-up and movement of litter along the fuji coast captured by live-camera

Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Meijo University
maito@meijo-u.ac.jp

Abstract

The total amount of litter washed up along the Japanese coast approaches nearly 25,000 tons 150,000m³. In this study, we discuss the process and timing of the deposition of litter from the sea surface onto a beach by large waves using images from live cameras located along the Fuji coast. Live camera images recorded over a period of 14 months from September 2007 to November 2008 were used in this study in addition to records of wave height, wave period, wind direction, wind velocity, and tide level. Analysis of these images and relevant oceanographic data showed that: (1) the floating litter on the sea surface in the nearshore area was washed up on the sandy beach by long waves caused by typhoons, (2) on the specified day the wind drifted the litter floating on the sea towards the shore, (3) the tidal change did not contribute to deposition of litter on the beach and (4) the clean up of litter was carried out by the appropriate section of the prefecture and city, and required a period in 1 to 5 months per event.