Hipshots got a point
Those areas of the Pacific Ocean have a lot of underwater volcanic activity. I dont know if they are active or not, but the Yap trench is in the area, and a lot of little volcanic islands in the Caroline Chain.
With the recent volcano and earthquake activity, there may be sea bed changes out there.
Its just speculation, but it could be related in some way.
Pure conjecture, M'Lady. After the tsunami, my wife and I spend considerable time examining the plate structure of the region, looking for reaction potentials.