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As the third U.N. conference on the law of the sea progresses, increasing
numbers of coastal nations have expanded the width of their territorial waters
or set up exclusive 200-mile fishing zones. The expansion of sovereignty over
the sea is a worldwide trend.
To make effective use of the expanded territorial waters and fishing zones,
Japan has to promote various measures more positively than ever before, including
improvements in maritime safety systems, fuller oceanographical surveys, and
the development of technology to utilize marine resources. The Ministry of Transport
has implemented the following measures for the above-mentioned purposes:
(1) Strengthening of maritime safety systems
With the funding from the fiscal 1977-1980 budgets, the Maritime Safety Agency
has introduced or improved 110 patrol boats, including 5 helicopter-carrying
patrol boats, and 36 aircraft, including 3 large-size planes (YS-11A), to control
illegal foreign fishing operations and water pollution.
(2) Promotion of oceanographic surveys
Using survey vessels, wave observation systems, and weather satellites, the
Ministry of Transport has conducted various oceanographic surveys. In addition
to these surveys, the Ministry plans to improve the basic marine charts of the
nation's continental shelves and coasts, and to conduct surveys on the structure
of sea bottoms, including crustal movements. The Ministry also plans to improve
the real-time data processing systems via the ADESS (Automated Data Editing
and Switching System) to make effective use of the collected data.
(3) Development of technology to utilize the ocean
The Ministry of Transport has undertaken to improve port and harbor facilities
for speedy distribution of goods and safe storage of energy, while opening new
routes to ensure safe maritime traffic. The Ministry has also promoted the development
of technology to put up a structure in the Japan Deep area, build a cargo vessel
navigable in icy waters, and generate electricity with the power of waves. Plans
are being studied to build oil storage bases offshore.
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