On the occasion of the 30^th Anniversary of the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, we, representatives of the world's 14 major oceanographic institutions meeting at Yokosuka, hereby share the following recognition.

Our knowledge of the systems of Earth increased dramatically in the 20^th century, a century in which the floating Earth was first viewed from space, and deep-sea ecosystems living without light were discovered. We learned how tectonic plates are dynamically produced, moved, and subducted. We also studied how the Earth's systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, interact with each other, and how human beings live together with these systems. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the oceans remains unknown and unexplored.

In addition, serious problems concerning global environmental changes such as global warming and depletion of ocean resources, in particular living resources, now threaten our planet. Appropriate measures must be taken to mitigate these and to achieve sustainable development. The oceans, occupying 71 percent of the Earth's surface, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the global environment.

We believe that the following approaches are important in order to develop a greater understanding of the unknown frontier, the Ocean, and to predict global environmental changes:

	-exploring the Earth and its ecosystem through research in ocean science as an essential contribution to understanding and predicting the Earth system, and as a prerequisite for wise decision making;
	-improving systems for observing little known areas, such as the deep ocean, polar regions and the Southern hemisphere;
	-establishing a global observation network with free exchange and access to data, and a global data and information network;
	-developing technologies and numerical models for more effective observations and better predictions;
	-strengthening recognition of the importance of the ocean and its resources by both the general public and policy makers by linking scientific issues with societal benefit through multidisciplinary research;
	-educating new generations of ocean researchers cognizant of the scientific, engineering and societal aspects of their work.

On behalf of major oceanographic institutions researching the huge potential of the oceans, we declare today that we will make every effort to obtain and contribute resources in a concerted manner, and to enhance mutual cooperation to help solve global environmental issues.