I am very pleased to welcome you to the 10^th Pacific Congress on Marine Science and Technology and to Chiba, Japan.

　

For many years, PACON International has brought together planners, policy makers, administrators, educators and scholars to address the role of marine science and technology in the economic development of ocean resources. I look forward to an open dialogue among PACON 2002 participants on these issues and am confident that this conference will result in many new opportunities for coordination and collaboration.

　

I am honored to have the opportunity to participate in this conference and serve as the U.S. Honorary Chair and look forward to a productive and exciting conference.

　

Sincerely,