The reexamination of Japan's nuclear fuel cycle project has sparked lively discussions. On the other hand, the marine transportation of nuclear materials and nuclear waste that forms part of the project has been criticized internationally for the reason that it runs counter to the international law on the protection of marine environments. I will introduce part of the discussions, and consider the future ideal response with recent international judicial precedents as references.

The killer algae destroy locally aboriginal florae by their extreme reproductive potential and strong growth power. These green algae, which had been discovered only 20 years ago, are currently causing serious problems in various seas over the world including the destruction of ecosystem of fauna and flora, declines in biomass of useful organisms such as Mollusca and sea urchin, resulting in decline of those catches. Many countries have already taken various actions towards the eradication of killer algae by prohibiting the sale of the algae for ornamental purpose, their cultivation and import for similar purposes. However, there has been no effective law established in Japan so far to regulate increase or import killer algae. It is strongly recommended, under these circumstances, that the measures against killer algae be immediately established and enforced before they would invade and settled down in Japan.

In order to attract the attention of those concerned with marine transportation and shipping in Vietnam which has been continuing to develop remarkably, and with the purpose of selling the superiority of Japanese industrial goods for shipping, the Japanese Marine Equipment Association held a seminar on the ship machinery industry in Hanoi at the end of October, 2004. Though there are still many obstacles to overcome such as the existence of the EU as a competitor and the fact that Vietnam is a socialist state, the entire industry has strong expectations for the cultivation of a new market in Vietnam.