truly appreciative of NOAA's PMEL which for many years has taken strong leadership in the development of buoy network in the Pacific as the TOGA-TAO program. Thanks largely to their effort, our understanding of the tropical atmosphere and ocean processes has increased dramatically for the last 10 years since TOGA started in 1985. The effectiveness of buoy network has been amply demonstrated through this program. We expect that JAMSTEC will contribute to solve global issues such as climate change issue through the development of buoy network in the Pacific Ocean.
I feel honored that so many of you leading scientists are present at this workshop. I look forward to most active session during the workshop on how to make the most of the buoys a property of mankind to be shared by countries of the world.
Also under construction at JAMSTEC is a new type of large oceanographic research vessel, Mirai(or the Future), to be commissioned to service in the fall of 1997. We have high hopes that the vessel will be various effective research tool serving a variety of purposes: buoy deployment, research in high-latitude rough weather seas, on-bard analysis work with freshly-obtained samples and other data.
Before concluding my remarks, I would like to express my science respect for the effort of all of those involved in the preparations for this workshop. My deep appreciation also goes to those officers, of Aomori Prefecture and Mutsu City who have been so helpful. Let me take this opportunity to ask for their continued kind understanding and support of what JAMSTEC is doing out here. I wish you all a big success with the workshop.
