The Basic Plan on Ocean Policy represents Japan’s basic approach to ocean policy. More than 1380 comments from the general public were received regarding the first three Basic Plans. Comments that resulted in the government revising or adding to the Plan were highest for the third Basic Plan, at 15%. However, in the government’s responses towards comments that weren’t reflected in the Plans, it should be noted that it relied heavily on the report from the Advisory Council for the National Headquarters for Ocean Policy. In future, it is important to develop a more comprehensive planning process that includes examination of the appropriateness of government’s responses to public comments.

Leading up to the hosting of the Tokyo Olympics / Paralympics, many SDG themed events are being held around the country, gradually raising consciousness in society about sustainable development. Among the various initiatives concerning ocean resources such as seafood, I would like to introduce how the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency is promoting one of its outreach activities, the SH “U” N Project.
Selected Papers No.24(p.29)

More than 2 million tourists a year come to Yanagawa river to boat down the canals and enjoy the bamboo steamed eel dish. The canals also have a historical significance for their role in society since the Edo period, as related in the documentary The Story of Yanagawa's Canals (1987), directed by the late Isao Takahata. With the help of local NPOs and Kyushu University, 9 of our students in the school’s Natural Science Club are carrying out activities to restore the Japanese Eel to the canals.