In Europe the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) has come into effect as an environmental strategy for the ocean. The Good Environmental Status (GES), which is at the heart of the MSFD, incorporates descriptors to diagnose the health of the ocean, and work has now begun on how best to evaluate and define them.MSFD aims at ecosystem-based integrated management of Europe's seas by creating frameworks for governance at the regional seas level rather than state-by-state. This approach is being undertaken in the hope that it will result in improved conditions of the region's seas as a whole.

The attaching of electronic transmitters to animals, or biologging, has made possible the investigation of migratory routes used by birds and fish. As a result, we now understand that animals such as petrels, Pacific bluefish tuna, and Great White Sharks have migratory patterns on a global scale. Correctly understanding this phenomenon is very important from the perspectives of the material cycle, resource management, and species conservation.

Japan is often called an "ocean state," but in recent years there has been a significant shift away from ocean activities among the Japanese people. The responsibility for this lies with adults, especially teachers and parents. Rather than avoiding the ocean as a dangerous place, it is important to constantly create opportunities for children to experience the ocean through activities and learn of its wonders.