Current research and development at the Japan Marine Science & Technology Center (JAMSTEC)

Japan is a country of poor natural resources, limited land area, and frequent earthquakes. Therefore our government believes that the study and development of the ocean is very important, and has promoted various marine development policies. Meanwhile, under the direct control of the Science and Technology Agency (S.T.A), the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC) has promoted, since its foundation in 1971, the following activities: 1) research and development of exploration technology for the deep sea (manned submergence research vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, and the deep seafloor survey system); 2) research and development of an undersea work system (diving operation technology and construction of the underwater work-test vessel); and 3) research and development of a marine observation system (improved marine observation system and oceanic remote-sensing technology).