In response to the issue of invasive species in the ballast water of ships, which have harmful effects on the ecosystems of coastal states, it has been officially decided that the IMO's Ballast Water Management Convention will go into force on September 8th, 2016. Here, I will explain the ship ballast water problem as well as its future issues.

Among the various aspects of global warming, sea level rise in particular is an issue that will have a big impact on society. Here, I will introduce how sea level rise will affect Japan's coasts and surrounding ocean areas by the end of the 21st century, as well as the mechanisms that are associated with it.

The "Yanagawa Ariakekai Aquarium," home to animals in the Ariake Sea such as indigenous fish species in Yanagawa's canals and the grass carp of Chikugo River, opened in Yanagawa City in October 2016. After its predecessor had to close, the "Ariakekai Juku," a group of students working towards the restoration of the Ariake Sea, decided to take over. Building on a youth network based around this small waterfront aquarium, we hope to develop a circle of people wishing to protect the natural environment.