In order to ensure sustainable and effective use of the ocean and protect the marine environment, the time has come for integrated ocean management. In addition to the traditional approaches to ocean studies, including environmental problems and specializations in the social and economic aspects of the ocean, and industrial marine technologies, etc., Yokohama National University has established its Center for Oceanic Studies and Integrated Education to develop individuals capable of addressing ocean problems from a broad and integrated perspective. Graduate students from throughout the university, as well as adult learners, are invited to participate, as professors from a wide variety of ocean related fields launch this interdisciplinary graduate level program.
Selected Papers No.11(p.4)

Ecosystem disruption due to invasive species is becoming a problem in the ocean, after causing similar conditions on land. Although most new species are introduced through the expanded distribution of invertebrates on ship hulls and in ballast water, the domestication of foreign fish and shellfish imported for aquaculture and other reasons is becoming more and more conspicuous.This article reviews these developments from the perspectives of natural history and factors in habitat environments.

Although actions plans for reviving Japan's representative semi-enclosed bays have been carried out in the past, it cannot be said that their environments have been fully restored. There are also examples of water quality showing almost no improvement, in spite of the implementation of effluent control regulations designed to achieve this. The effectiveness of past policies on environmental improvement should be re-examined, the problems identified, and the policies re-organized.