**Marine Ecosystems and Pollution Control - November 2006 to the 2020s**.

**Marine Ecosystems and Pollution Control - November 2006 to the 2020s**.

In 2006, Japan revised its Marine Pollution Prevention Law to strengthen protection of marine ecosystems. In coastal areas such as Tokyo Bay and the Seto Inland Sea, ocean dumping of hazardous substances and sewage sludge is now strictly regulated, and more than 10,000 tons of waste is disposed of annually by recycling or incineration at waste treatment facilities. In addition, the maintenance of a sustainable marine environment was promoted based on international agreements such as the MARPOL Convention.

In the 2020s, response to maritime accidents is becoming increasingly important: in 2021, when a cargo ship ran aground off Hachinohe Port in Aomori Prefecture, the large dredging and oil recovery vessel "Hakusan" was dispatched to quickly recover the oil. Joint drills with related agencies and the development of equipment and materials are underway to improve our emergency response capabilities.

Furthermore, during "Zero Marine Litter Week," more than 8,000 people nationwide participated in cleanup activities. in 2020, there were 453 confirmed cases of marine pollution, with oil leaks being the main cause. Japan will continue its efforts to protect future marine resources through legal reform and international cooperation.