July 1,2008
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology

"NATSUSHIMA"and "HYPER DOLPHIN"
Open for Public in Nago, Okinawa

The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC: Yasuhiro Kato, President) is pleased to announce that our Research Vessel "NATSUSHIMA" and Remotely Operated Vehicle "HYPER DOLPHIN" will be open to the public at Nago Port Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture as part of the events of "the 31^st Nago Summer Festival" (hosted by Nago City Commerce and Industry Association).

Details

1.Date and time:	July 26 (Saturday) 14:00 to 19:00 (End of registration : 18:30) (Welcoming ceremony: 13:45 to 14:00) July 27 (Sunday) 13:00 to 19:00 (End of registration: 18:30)
2.Venue:	Nago Port, eastern breakwater side(Refer to MAP)
3.Open Facilities:	The Research Vessel "NATSUSHIMA" The Remotely Operated Vehicle "HYPER DOLPHIN" (See Reference)
4.Admission:	Free. No pre-registration required.
5.Host:	JAMSTEC, Nago City
Sponsor:	Nago City Board of Education
Cooperation:	Nago City Commerce and Industry Association Nago City Tourist Association
6.Notes:	1) The event may be cancelled due to the bad weather or other factors. 2) For safety reasons, people who are wearing high-heels or sandals, under the influence of alcohol are not allowed, since the floors are not even and slippery inside of the ship. 3) Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

MAP

[Map] Nago Port (Gusuku 3, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture)

Reference

The Research Vessel "NATSUSHIMA"

Since it carries various observation equipments and devices, enables to conduct comprehensive observation study of deep sea or trench. It also plays the role of the support ship of 3,000m class remotely operated vehicle "HYPER DOLPHIN". Formerly, it supported the 2,000m class manned submersible "SHIKAI 2000".

For details, please visit: http://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/about/equipment/ships/natsushima.html

The Remotely Operated Vehicle "HYPER DOLPHINE"

An underwater robot equipped with high-definition TV camera, enable to shoot up to 3,000m depth of water. In the underwater survey of the SUMATRA earthquake source area in February of 2005, huge cracks and collapses on the sea floor were identified at the first time in the world.

By using two manipulators, it is possible to collect samples and install/ recover observation devices.
For details, please visit:http://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/about/equipment/ships/hyperdolphin.html

Contacts:

(For the public open)
Shozo Tashiro, e-mail: pr@jamstec.go.jp

Manager, Public Relations Division
Marin-Earth Data and Information Department

Tomiya Matsunaga,

Head of GODAC, Global Oceanographic Data Center (GODAC)
Marin-Earth Data and Information Department
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology

(For Publication)
Noriyuki Murata, e-mail: press@jamstec.go.jp

Manager, Planning Department Press Office
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology