There are approximately 800 marine stations (coastal education and research facilities) distributed across the globe. In order to maximise the capacities of marine stations participating in regional and national networks, the World Association of Marine Stations（WAMS）seeks to foster collaboration and achieve synergies through the sharing of resources. Through its launching of the first ever comprehensive Atlas of World Marine Stations, WAMS aims to help meet the ocean’s global scale challenges as well as to support the objectives of the UN Decade of Ocean Science.

Waves inevitably occur in the ocean, but if the hydrodynamic interactions between waves and floating structures are understood correctly the effects of waves can be lessened and, conversely, the wave energy can be effectively used and controlled. I would like here to introduce examples of contribution of floating structure engineering research, such as the research conducted to realize marine floating airports, use of marine renewable energy, and development of ships with superior seakeeping performance in waves.

As part of its efforts to promote ocean education, the Cabinet Office is compiling educational resources and initiatives from a variety of facilities on its Ocean Education Information Platform website. With the aim of uncovering and sharing best practices, I would like to introduce three of those in this article. As the Fourth Basic Ocean Plan calls for the strengthening of coordination between relevant ministries and agencies, I especially want to share information about these effective initiatives.