Feiro Marine Life Center, in partnership with NOAA’s Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and Washington CoastSavers, will present “It’s a Small World After All: Trash and tragedy in Japan four years after the Tohuku earthquake and tsunami” by Washington CoastSavers Coordinator Jon Schmidt from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Landing Mall (Second Floor Conference Room), Port Angeles.

Schmidt recently traveled to Japan to present at a marine debris symposium. Following the symposium, he visited area beaches, including sites decimated by the tsunami of 2011.

Schmidt will share his experiences, including stories he learned of the tragedy and of hope from survivors of the tsunami.

On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami struck Japan and the disaster claimed nearly 16,000 lives, injured 6,000 and destroyed or damaged countless buildings.

The government of Japan estimated that about 5 million tons of debris swept into the Pacific Ocean and that about 70 percent sank quickly off Japan. The remaining debris has been traveling the ocean’s currents, some reaching as far as Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska and Hawaii. Some items found on Washington beaches have been confirmed to be Japan tsunami debris, including small boats, sports balls, a plastic fish tote and a 65-foot-long dock.

Schmidt said he hopes that by sharing his stories from his travels to Japan, people will have a larger awareness of the marine debris problem and how they can help reduce plastic pollution on our coast.

In addition to the presentation, Washington CoastSavers will present Rod Farlee with this year’s “CoastSaver of the Year” award in recognition of his decade of contributions during the Washington Coast Cleanup.

Cost is a suggested $5 donation to Washington CoastSavers; Feiro members are free.

For more information, call Rachele Brown at the Feiro Marine Life Center, 417-6254.