Operation license and ship inspection have become unnecessary for small boats which are shorter than 3.33 meters long and which have an engine power of no more than 2 hp, by a deregulation which was done by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport last year. Such deregulation is very welcome for the popularization of small boats, however, it must not result in an increase of careless users and manufacturers.

Compared to manganese nodules, the manganese crust was originally considered as less valuable for a resource because of its low content of nickel and copper. However, once it turned out that the contents of cobalt and platinum in the manganese crust are significant, surveys and studies on the crust have been performed in earnest. It is hoped that sufficient measures will be taken for marine resource development, in parallel with the continental shelf survey, which is related with the right for exploration and development of mineral resources, etc., in the future.