In March 2019, the United Nations General Assembly declared the 10 year-period from 2021 to 2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Biodiversity is degrading at rates unprecedented in human history, but what’s particularly alarming is the deterioration and loss of coastal ecosystems. To recover our coastal ecosystems, I would like to focus on the potential and significance of the concept of satoumi, and work towards creating and restoring rich coastal regions in the next 10 years.

Fishing was cast in the spotlight again thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, declining fishery resources in Japan’s seas and problematic behaviors are causing the number of fishing enthusiasts to go down. At present, Japan doesn’t have a system for fishing licenses. What can we do now so that we can continue enjoying fishing? In this article, I would like to speak on the current situation in the fishing community and ideas for resolving the issues.

I had the honor of participating in JAMSTEC's young talent training project, the GACHINKO FIGHT Voyage, having been selected for the 1,618th dive of the deep submergence research vehicle, the SHINKAI 6500. Taking part in deep-sea research enabled me to obtain invaluable experience and enhance motivation for studies. I would like to share what I felt in the deep sea, as well as my thoughts on ocean research and manned deep-sea research.