We, the human race, are responsible for protecting the oceans, maintaining their order, keeping them in a sustainable condition, and passing them on to the future. The Nippon Foundation, in collaboration with some of the world's leading marine research institutions and universities, governments of various countries, NGOs, and relevant bodies in the United Nations, is working on a project called "Capacity Building in the World of the Sea, Edesigned to develop human resources who can take on important roles on a global scale. We expect the resultant linkage between people to become a force that will produce a new marine order for the 21st century.
Selected Papers No.14(p.14)

This article seeks to introduce the natural science research being done on Edo-mae (inner Tokyo Bay) waters as well as efforts to study the natural environment and the effects it has on local society together with residents from the area. Through this, we are able to develop "Edo-mae ESD Eleaders and work towards the integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) of Edo-mae waters.

Since 1976 the Japan Association of Marine Safety has hosted the Liaison and Consultative Conference for Maritime Transport and Fisheries Related Groups, as a venue for those involved in the two industries to exchange ideas on problems concerning ship safety in congested coastal waters, thus promoting mutual understanding. We believe it important that these groups better understand each other's perspectives on these issues.