Marine Ecosystems Research Department - jamstec japan agency ...

Japan Marine Science and Technology Center
Outline of Activities
JAMSTEC purchased a plot of ,.m , bringing the
total area purchased to ,.m of a total planned
area of ,.m . The remaining land will be purchased
as funds become available in the budget.
(ii) Building
JAMSTEC began constructing buildings in fiscal
, and in fiscal completed the marine and
earth science information facilities comprising the
Information Technology Building, Earth Science
Museum and Guest House.
International exchange
Ocean observation and research must be done on a
global scale to tackle climate change and other global
environmental issues.
To contribute to our understanding of these issues
and facilitate ocean observation and research more
effectively and efficiently, JAMSTEC is building and
promoting a cooperative relationship with international
organizations, joint international programs, and
overseas research institutions.
4. Global Oceanographic Data Center (GODAC)
JAMSTEC has been commissioned to manage the
Global Oceanographic Data Center (GODAC) established
in Nago, and operations began in fiscal .
This fiscal year GODAC continued its work of digitizing
JAMSTEC's deep-sea images and research
achievements, and collecting, processing and disseminating
data on the oceans and the global environment.
GODAC is actively opening its facilities and equipment
such as its lecture rooms and educational image
systems for extracurricular classes for primary and
middle schools mainly in Okinawa's northern districts,
and for training of researchers from the Asia-Western
Pacific Ocean region. GODAC also provides tours of
its facilities for the general public and is making a
solid contribution to local tourism. GODAC functions
as a pivotal dissemination center of oceanographic and
environmental data, and is developing a rich library of
educational contents that will help promote a deeper
understanding of science and technology.
Fig. 6 General view of GODAC
1. International exchange
JAMSTEC is supporting the activities of IOC
(Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission) of
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization) by sending experts as members
of the various working groups, and assessing international
trends necessary for the smooth implementation
of ocean observation and research under the application
of the Law of the Sea.
JAMSTEC participates in such organizations
as SOPAC (South Pacific Applied Geoscience
Commission), an influential body in the South Pacific,
one of JAMSTEC's main observational research areas,
and POGO (Partnership for Observation of the Global
Oceans), an important forum for the world's major
oceanographic research institutions, and sends
researchers to other marine-related international
organizations as required to contribute to and assist in
their research activities.
2. Joint international programs
JAMSTEC participates in the activities of the following
international programs.
GOOS (Global Ocean Observing System)
ODP (Ocean Drilling Program)
IODP (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program) (Start in
October )
PICES (North Pacific Marine Science Organization)
CLIVAR (The Climate Variability and Predictability
Programme)
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