The Great Tsunami of 3.11 caused tremendous damage to the fishing industry along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan and greatly disturbed marine ecosystems. The Tohoku Ecosystem-Associated Marine Sciences (TEAMS) project is being implemented to utilize results from scientific assessments of the damage at the time of the tsunami as well as subsequent changes to assist in the revival of the fishing industry. Three years have now passed and we know that marine ecosystems are trending towards recovery. In addition, making use of the fruits of this research, we are creating a new science-based fishing industry.

While Automatic Identification System (AIS) emplacement was made mandatory as of July 2008, there are now expectations regarding its effective use by those vessels for which it is non-mandatory. Research is currently proceeding by equipping AIS on those fishing vessels for which it is non-mandatory. As we demonstrate the advantages of AIS for fishing vessels and identify remaining challenges, there is a need for discussion on increasing the use of AIS among fishing vessels.

182 years ago, a boat carrying a man called Otokichi and his companions ran off course after leaving Onoura in Bishu. Otokichi spent five years abroad before at last returning to Japan, only to be refused permission to land and forced to live elsewhere. Otokichi then worked for a British trading company while based in China, assisted in the world's first Japanese translation of the Bible, and through his wide network of connections including British and American missionaries, knocked on the door to end national isolation from the outside. This fact was not mentioned in Japanese history.
Selected Papers No.18