Regarding ocean tourism, the Ocean Policy Division of the Policy Bureau at MLIT has sought to systematize measures as well as organize views on issues and directions through the convening of an expert study group. What has resulted is the realization that, in addition to the economic revitalization aspect of ocean tourism measures, which it shares with other forms of tourism, ocean tourism also has a role as a tool for ocean management. In accordance with the work of the study group, we expect progress through the beginning of measures based on numerical targets regarding cruise promotions, etc., as well as further studies on possible measures in a variety of areas.

In order to develop tactile inspection programs and tactile displays using actual specimens for the visually impaired, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Tokyo Sea Life Park are cooperating on a "classes to go" program with a Special Needs School for the Visually Impaired. Beginning with this coordination, the aquariums have also gone on to cooperate in the Jump to Science, a hands-on learning event for visually impaired children. This article reports on some of the contents of these activities.
Selected Papers No.19

The ascidian sea squirt grows with the individual clones (zooids) of which it is composed connected with each other. In one species that shares the same blood, there is the phenomenon in which the entire colony acts as one and all the individual zooids undergo a change of generations at once. On the other hand, if an individual zooid can be skillfully separated from the rest it can also survive on its own. When we speak of a single sea squirt are we referring to a single clone or the colony it makes up along with many others?