The phenomenon known as the Kuroshio Large Meander began in August 2017, and is ongoing as of February 2019, more than a year since it began. The current of this Kuroshio, which comes 12 years after the previous one that occurred between 2004 and 2005, should provide an opportunity to review the impacts that the ocean has on Japan’s coastal environments. We hope to make use of predictions concerning this Kuroshio phenomenon and provide information to the public.
Selected Papers No.24

The “Act for Promoting Utilization of Sea Areas in Development of Power Generation Facilities Using Maritime Renewable Energy Resources” became law in November of 2018. With this new law, most of the legal issues concerning use of sea areas have been addressed, paving the way for the full-scale implementation of offshore wind power along Japan’s coastal areas. However, as issues such as the reduction of costs and local community revitalization remain, various other considerations are needed toward its widespread use.

Two books have been published as part of the “Relations between Oceans and Humans” series. The books are based on articles from previous editions of the “Ocean Newsletter,” supplemented by new material. The relationship between oceans and humans can be seen throughout history and across the globe in various and complex patterns. From the many ocean issues of urgent importance, I chose the two themes of “For Japanese people to continue their fish consumption” and “To protect the marine biological diversity in the ocean.” I hope this series will serve as a good introduction for considering about the future of ocean policy.