The first "sea map contest," which was intended for children, pupils and their parents and may be unprecedented in the world, was held in "the Museum of Maritime Science." I want to introduce this contest, which was planned with a desire to educate children about the shapes and aspects of nearby seas and lead them to have an ability to expand their interests in the seas around Japan and seas in the world through "sea map drawing."

The coastal wetland ecosystem flexibly responds to unceasing fluctuations of natural conditions and largely depends on inpouring sea water and fresh water. Scientific knowledge has been deepened on the recruitment and succession of the coastal benthos, and technology development has been performed for the wetland restoration and construction. However, there still remain uncertainty and natural fluctuations which may alter the structure of the matured ecosystem. After this, more attention should be paid to adaptive management so "we can learn about coastal wetlands in restoring and managing them, and we can restore and manage coastal wetlands in learning about them."

The southernmost oceanographic institution in Japan is located in Iriomote Island. Although the institution is located in an out-of-the-way place, where no road reaches and the only feasible way of access is by ship, it is surrounded by wonderful nature. Besides, the institution is a window onto the South Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia, and its roles and the reason for its existence are significant.