On the first day, the group visited the APIC where they were welcomed by President Shigeige, Executive Director Sato, and Secretary General Araki. The group then visited Sophia University and held discussions with Professor McDonald and graduate students. Professor McDonald gave a presentation about the local environmental and marine protection activities conducted by “Sato Umi a coastal area where biological productivity and biodiversity has increased through human interaction.)” and by “Ama (female sea-diving fisherpersons) “. This was followed by presentations by the Barbados group; each member talked about his/her own environmental protection activities. Thereafter, the group visited the Honjo Disaster Prevention Center in Tokyo where they experienced experimental earthquakes.

On November 15th, the group visited the JAMSTEC in Yokosuka and learned about the JAMSTEC’s research on ocean movements and currents as well as on the marine biology diversity and the deep ocean biology. They also saw a real size model of the marine research submarine “Shinkai 6500” and were briefed about the ongoing research on the problems caused by the marine plastic. The group exhibited strong interest in the advanced research activities in Japan.

In the afternoon, the group visited the prefectural one-of-a kind marine science high school in Kanagawa prefecture, and was briefed about the curriculums in navigation, mechanics, radio technology, and seafood processing. They also observed some classes and toured the campus. There, the group experienced the navigation simulation to steer the ship into the Tokyo Bay, guided by the sceneries projected on the mega screen spread across the classroom wall. The group was amazed by the seafood processing class that was packing the real processed fish meat into cans.

On November 16h, the group travelled to Mie Prefecture and visited the Mie Prefectural Marine Research Institute. During the 3.5 hours at the Institute, the group learned about the research on the changing sea currents, pearl farming, and experimental farming of the Ise Shrimps. They also rode a boat to the marine observation buoy in the Ago Bay. The group expressed their deep gratitude to the carefully organized study program and the hospitality in Mie.

On November 17th, the group visited the Memorial Hall of the Ise-Shima Summit. At request of the group, they visited a fishing boat and the market at Wagu Port. They then experienced an Ama lodge at “Satoumi An”. This intrigued the group and triggered a series of vibrant questions. In the afternoon, the group visited the Toba City Municipal “Ocean Museum” and learned about various aspects of tuna, the core interest shared by the group. The museum staff also talked about skipjacks and wooden ship building; those talks actively stimulated the interest of participants.

On November 18th, the group took a boat tour of the Toba Bay and joined an eco-tour organized by the Kaito Yumin Club that included presentations of various local fishing tools. They observed the Ise Shrimps and other local seafood, learned from the local people about seaweed (Nori) farming as well as the systems and operations of the auctions at the local fish market. The group also had an opportunity to watch the auction. The group gave feedback that the tour was amazingly interesting.

On November 19th, the group visited the Ise-Shrine in the morning and moved to Kyoto in the afternoon. On November 20th, the last day of the visit to Japan, the group visited shrines and temples in Kyoto and learned about the Japanese culture.