Why an NPO?

Oceanographic surveys and observations are conducted in a variety of ways. The first option is to use a research vessel operated by governments and institutions. While a research vessel permits highly precise experiments and observations, based on the participation of specialists using sophisticated equipment, this sort of vessel is not necessarily suitable for repetitive or temporal observations, such as those involving repeated monthly measurements in the same waters and on the same subjects.

Although stationary buoys at fixed points are indispensable for observations relative to the vertical direction of the sea, it is by no means easy to cover a wide area of ocean with a large number of buoys. A programme for deploying mid-layer floats around the world to drift usually at depths of about 1,000m and measuring water temperature and salinity as they are brought to the surface from depths of about 2,000m at fixed intervals to transmit data through satellites, called Argo Programme, has been progressing with the international cooperation. On the other hand, technology is well advanced for making observations of ocean colors from satellites using spectrometers, such as MODIS (U.S., NASA) and MERIS (ESA---European Space Agency. This is an ideal method for covering wide expanses, such as in global-scale analysis. But, even in this case, for purposes of correcting observation data from satellites, actual sea-truth data play an important role.

Observations using a private commercial vessel servicing the same route on repeated trips, though subject to various limitations in terms of measuring methods and data, are outstanding for accumulating spatial and temporal observation data. Cargo vessels that crisscross the world's ocean lanes in every conceivable direction constantly take in seawater from the ship's bottom for use in cooling the engines and other on-vessel operations. Using this inflow, water temperature and salinity can be continuously measured, while nutrient salts and other components of the sampled seawater can later be examined onshore. This data can be compiled and disseminated for use by many persons and institutions, both scientific and operational, throughout the world. For this framework to function smoothly, we are confident that a major role can be played by an NPO, by virtue of its inherent mobility and public service character.