Abstract :
Summary form only given, as follows. A record of the panel discussion was not made available for publication as part of the conference proceedings. This Ocean Policy Panel is specially organized for this OTO´08, taking account of an epochmaking enactment of Basic Act for Ocean Policy in Japan in last year and authorization of the very first Basic Plan for Ocean Policy by the Cabinet this spring. These historical events will be spotlighted and outlined by Mr. Yasuo Ohba, Secretary General of the Secretariat of the Headquarters for Ocean Policy of the Cabinet Secretariat of Japan at the Plenary Session in the morning on April 9th, and the Panel will follow it in the afternoon of the same day. Japanese side panelists will cover the policy matter and science and technology matters, too, including environmental issues. From US side participants, we would like to expect to leran the latest situation of the ocean policy under the Action Plan publicized by the White House a couple of years ago and some latest reports on marine science and technology development activities. Discussions and opinion exchange upon each point of view of the panelists may bring fruiteful stimulation not only for the panelits themselves but also for the audience. First-hand information and vivid talk will enrich our understandings and concept creation on ocean policy, science and technology upon the international perspective.
