A long-awaited Basic Ocean Law has finally been enacted in Japan, which heretofore had set and implemented its ocean polices based on an administrative organization characterized by a vertically divided separation of functions. The Basic Ocean Law will for the first time make clear a basic philosophy and specific measures for a national ocean policy, helping to re-define Japan as an maritime state. It will also establish a new administrative section responsible for comprehensive planning and implementation. How this new Basic Ocean Law regime will fare depends not only on political leadership, but the active involvement of government, industry, academia, and citizens from all walks of life.

The oceans are critical to the country's infrastructure and industry's competitiveness and thus the source of our economic vitality. The Basic Ocean Law has long been awaited by industry, but its ratification is only the starting point. From now on, it is essential that policies are drawn up to consolidate the environment for the marine industry to positively engage in its activities free and safe from danger.

Coastal fishing has played a large role in the history of the Japanese people, not only in determining their diet but as regards the villages and traditions that have been built up around this industry. The decline of coastal fishing, therefore, has farther reaching implications than that of other industries. The Nationwide Federation of Japan Fisheries Cooperatives has requested that the policies in the Basic Plan for Fisheries focus on stabilizing and promoting the coastal fishing industry. We believe that the recently adopted Basic Ocean Law will make great contributions in this respect. There is, however, a need for prior consultation and mutual understanding between new ocean industries and existing stakeholders, especially the coastal fishing industry.