On January 22, 2015, the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle recognized contributions to Japan-United States relations. In a ceremony held during the New Year's Reception at the Official Residence, recipients were awarded the Consul General's Commendation.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program's Nir Barnea, West Coast Regional Coordinator, was among the recipients. Nir has been instrumental in organizing agencies in the United States, Canada, and Japan in response to Japan tsunami marine debris (JTMD) generated from the March 2011 tsunami that struck Japan.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program has led efforts with federal, state, and local partners to collect data, assess the debris, and reduce possible impacts to natural resources and coastal communities.

For more information, contact Nir Barnea.

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