In Article 28 of the Basic Act on Ocean Policy, adopted in 2007, the need for ocean education is proclaimed. At Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, we began the Aquatic Marine Environmental Education Program in order develop leaders for promoting aquatic marine environmental education, with the goal of fostering comprehensive understanding of the ocean among the Japanese people. Through this program, and with the cooperation and advice of all institutions and individuals involved, we hope to make a contribution to promoting this comprehensive understanding.

Information revealing the movements of nature can be seen in miniscule differences in conditions in all corners of the world, even in the patterns left on a sandy beach that are formed from the dynamics of ocean currents and grains of sand. These can serve as important moments in the investigation of global ocean phenomena.

In the 21st century, ocean problems exist on a scale that affect all of humanity. Solutions to these ocean problems are being called for and include responses to global warming and the conservation of marine ecosystems. There are great expectations for Japan's marine science and technology, but also important is a global perspective that includes active participation in initiatives such as international joint research and observation on the environment and ecosystem protection and conservation.