Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation spokesman Chris Haven said Wednesday that the Japanese consulate in Portland, Ore., traced the 66-foot-long concrete and steel floating dock to a manufacturer in Japan. And he confirmed it was in use in an area of Japan hit by the giant waves.

The dock carried a metal placard naming the manufacturer and dated June 2008.

Havel says a scientist also found a starfish native to Japan among the marine life clinging to the dock."