The marked decrease in Japanese seamen has resulted in mixed nationality crews on overseas voyages and an increased average age of seamen on domestic voyages, with fewer and fewer replacements in sight. In order to respond to the changing needs of the marine transport industry, and in the midst of the large changes overtaking seamen's education, it is important to secure and develop highly qualified Japanese seamen to ensure that these maritime skills are passed on to the future.

As mangroves are a distinctive natural feature of the tropics and sub-tropics, and as their ecosystems play important roles in these areas, there is a need for accumulating large amounts of scientific data while at the same time developing policies towards their conservation. Collaboration on education and research among universities and research institutes in the Asian Pacific is indispensable towards reaching these goals.

The Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage entered into force in 2009 includes new provisions of significance for the international order of the law of the sea, which should not be discussed only in the context of protecting the underwater cultural heritage. This article reviews the drafting process of the Convention and examines its implication.