Wind power generation is expanding offshore, in continuation of its worldwide spread. While current use centers on the bottom fixed type, which extends from the ocean floor to the surface, various countries have been testing offshore floating wind turbines in the hopes of reaching more than 50 meters into deep waters. Japan currently has four offshore floating wind turbines - one in the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture and three in the waters off Fukushima Prefecture - totaling 16,000kW, and has become the worldwide leader in this field. However, as issues still remain with regards to their economic efficiency, efforts are currently focused on cost cutting measures such as reduction in size, standardization, and mass production.

Coral reefs are important treasures of Okinawa Prefecture, valued not only for being the habitat for a wide variety of organisms, but also as fishery and tourism resources. Under the "Basic Plan for the Vision of Okinawa in the 21st Century," Okinawa Prefecture has been making various efforts for coral reef conservation and restoration not only through its Department of Environmental Affairs, but also through cooperation with other related departments. Here, I will report on the general efforts of Okinawa Prefecture, and also introduce its efforts regarding coral reef conservation and restoration.

The Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation was adopted in May 2017, becoming the third international agreement negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council. This agreement tries to enhance international cooperation on Arctic scientific activities through, for example, facilitating access to designated research areas including the marine areas. As the Russian EEZ around the Bering Sea is also covered by the agreement, it can bring benefits for Japan and Japanese scientists with research interests in these waters.