In recent years, ruins from the pre-historic period have been discovered one after another on ocean floors around the world. It is thought that these were built on land but later submerged with the rise of the sea after the last glacial age. As underwater archaeology continues to bring to light vestiges of earlier ages from the depths of the sea, our very notions of the origins of civilization are likely to change.

A variety of marine technologies, including deep ocean water utilization, CO2 ocean sequestration, and ocean energy, are being proposed and basic research promoted, to address the global crises approaching concerning water and food resources, sustainable energy production, and carbon dioxide reduction. In order to bring these technologies for large scale ocean utilization into wider circulation, assessment of impacts on the global environment using an inclusive and fair integrated index that makes no distinctions among land, sea, and air, is necessary.

Are you aware that children are no longer to be found on Japanese beaches? Our aim in beginning our "Beach Club Eactivities was to generate children's interest in the ocean through play and games. The indispensable factor in conveying the joys of the ocean though, is the cooperation of adults of many backgrounds who can share their own experiences of the ocean.