Predicting and understanding global change phenomena triggered by large-scale natural disasters and environmental destruction on a global scale caused by global warming, earthquakes, both land and underwater origin, and volcanic eruptions become an urgent and important issue for the human community in 21st century.
JAMSTEC was reorganized on 1 April 2004 with the main objective to promote marine scientific research and related technology, and to contribute to the advancement of academic research with engagement in fundamental research and development concerning ocean, and in cooperative activities on academic research related to the Ocean, for the benefit of peace and human welfares.
JAMSTEC considers the Earth as a unique system which is largely influenced by the Ocean and is involved in a wide scope of fundamental research to improve our knowledge on global environmental change through observational research, prediction research, and related technological development. At the same time, JAMSTEC aims to contribute to the sustainable advancement of the human community and to endeavor to ensure its peace and security, socio-economic development, and the improvement and expansion of knowledge enabling the scientific research results and other outcomes of the Agency's activities available to the public and further spreaded knowledge and cognizance.
Two research vessels, the Hakuho-Maru and the Tansei-Maru, have been transferred from the Ocean Research Institute of the University of Tokyo to JAMSTEC. The Agency will continue to provide cooperation on a wide range academic research, and also ensure the safe and effective operation and management of these vessels.
In conclusion, JAMSTEC will continue to work with everyone intending to contribute to future development of human community through investigations of the Earth focusing on the Ocean. We very much appreciate for your continuous encouragement, understanding and guidance to our activities in implementing important duties assigned to us.
