Followed by the successful completion of the extensive surveys on the extended continental shelf, Japan submitted its information on the extended continental shelf to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on November 12, 2008, based on the decision taken by the Headquarters for Ocean Policy. It is scheduled that the Commission starts its examination of the Japan's submission from March 2009.

Although Japan learned well the importance of a close relationship between navies and maritime transport from its defeat in World War 2, our sense of crisis concerning sealanes seems to have been lacking. As the frequent occurrence of piracy off the coast of Somalia represents a serious threat to a country like ours, dependent on the sealanes, there is a need for immediate discussion regarding sealane defense. The maritime transport industry and the Maritime Self-Defense Force must therefore improve their understanding of each other's operations, share knowledge and information, and deepen their mutual relationship.

In order to fulfill his campaign promise to bring about sustainable development while growing the economy, increasing employment, and conserving the environment, French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who assumed office in May of 2007, is carrying out what is known as the Grenelle Environnement policy. This paper introduces France's ocean and coastal zone integrated management measures based on this policy as well as the new marine protected areas policy begun in 2007.