1. Objective
An MOU is concluded between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Canada, and Japan Marine Science and Technology Center so that Japan and Canada will collaborate to clarify the meteorological systems in the Arctic Ocean, using a plenty of research resources available from both parties. The DFO has conducted a lot of field-proven marine observations in the Arctic Ocean and the research resources to be used are expertise, icebreaker, etc. of the DFO and "MIRAI," automatic observation buoys for icy waters, etc. of JAMSTEC.

2. Signing
1) Date: March 20, 2000
2) Signers: Director CHIJIYA, JMSTC, and Bureau Head John DAVIS, DFO
3) Place: Department of fisheries and Oceans, Canada (Ottawa)

3. What to Research
1) Observations and model studies relating to changes in marine climate in an upper layer of 200 thru 300 meters below the surface in the Arctic Ocean,
2) Physical, chemical and biological observations and model studies relating to the interaction between continental shelf and ocean basin,
3) Observations and studies relating to the balance of fresh water and chemical composition in Bering, Tiks and Beaufort Sea and
4) Observations and model studies relating to the changes in ice thickness distribution between continental shelf and ocean basis.

4 Effects of MOU
1) An Arctic Ocean survey with "MIRAI" is to be implemented jointly by and between Japan and Canada in August and September 2000 (with Canadian researchers aboard "MIRAI").
2) During the observation with "MIRAI" in icy waters, she is to be supported by an icebreaker owned by the DFO.

5 Schedule in the Future
1) In the "Panel relating to Environments and Global Science in the North Pacific (Japanese chairman: officer to promote and coordinate global science and technology)" under the Japan-Canada Treaty of Collaboration in Science and Technology, the MOU will be taken up as a new activity in both countries to clarify the changes in climate in the Arctic Ocean. (Preparations are now in progress to hold the panel sessions from May to June 2000).
2) The Panel will report to a joint committee under the Japan-Canada Treaty of Collaboration in Science and Technology (postponed to hold in June or later, 2000) concerning the MOU as a new activity in both countries to clarify the changes in climate.
3) Taking the opportunity for "MIRAI" to enter Victoria, Canada, in August and September 2000, she is scheduled to be opened to the public, with a research seminar planned to be held, too.