The Canary Islands Particularly Sensitive Sea Area�E�ESSA�E�does more than just protect the natural marine environment; it conserves fish stocks and tourism resources, promotes the integrated management of the land areas of offshore islands and the ocean spaces around them, and contributes to the strengthening of the maritime rescue and coast guard systems all with potentially important policy lessons for Japan. Making conservation of the marine environment our bridgehead, what should we aim for in designating a PSSA? There is a need to reconsider PSSA as a strategic means for realizing ocean governance.