The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world’s largest private oceanographic research institution, dedicated to advancing both basic and applied understanding of fundamental ocean problems. WHOI uses this knowledge to address increasingly urgent challenges and is currently at the forefront of research on such topics as the ocean carbon cycle and marine carbon-dioxide removal (mCDR).

The Institute of Science Tokyo envisions social transformation based on three guiding principles: “Good Earth, Good Society, and Good Life.” Through its “Smart Ocean” initiative, the university, in collaboration with the Super Smart Society Promotion Consortium, aims to build an interconnected ecosystem that integrates physical domains such as fisheries with cyber technologies like AI and digital twins. This integration is designed to create positive synergies among global environmental sustainability, future industries, stable food supply, and secure and healthy living—ultimately contributing to a better oceanic future.

The challenge of the marine debris problem lies in the insufficient understanding of its outflow routes and distribution. Pirika Co., Ltd. utilizes IT to visualize the outflow and distribution of waste, thereby promoting efficient and effective waste collection and data-driven measures both in Japan and abroad. By making the collected data publicly available, Pirika also contributes to raising environmental awareness among local communities and to the development of environmental education programs. It is important for companies, local governments, and citizens to collaborate and fulfill their respective roles.

On Sakushima Island, located in Mikawa Bay, Aichi Prefecture, with a population of 170 people, children are taking the lead in eelgrass restoration activities at Shiosai School, a combined elementary and junior high compulsory education school where more than half of the students commute from the mainland. This activity will mark its 23rd year in 2025 and has simultaneously created a place to conserve and restore the sea and to learn. As a pillar for development of remote islands, which are facing population decline, we would like to keep this light burning and continue forward together.