There is great concern over the depletion of tropical and deep-water corals. The Coral Research & Development Platform (CORDAP.org) was established to accelerate international research and development for supplying the technologies and innovations required to secure a future for corals and reefs. I would here like to introduce the CORDAP strategic plan, soon to be approved.

In 2021, the United Nations launched the UN Decade of Ocean Science under the leadership of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. Does Japan's legal system for the use of marine areas (Sea Areas Utilization for Renewable Energy Act) adequately meet the elements of marine spatial planning required by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission? In this article, I would like to identify future issues such as ensuring the participation of stakeholders in the establishment of goals and principles, and mapping process.

In February 2022, Kanagawa University established the Research Institute for Marine and Port Studies at its Minato Mirai Campus to promote a multifaceted approach for researching the ocean (coastal and offshore) and ports (harbors/ports and fishing ports), as well as to serve as a center for industry-government-academia collaboration. Currently, the Institute has 14 members (12 faculty members and 2 senior researchers), and its main activities include research on marine industries, historical research on the ocean and ports, research on port functions, and research on community development in areas adjacent to ports.