topography, ocean currents, water temperature, etc.) and social information (port areas, fishing rights areas, etc.).

(3) Initiatives to Delineate the Limits of the Continental Shelf

In April 2012, the UN “Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf” adopted the recommendations in regard to the submission made by Japan in November 2008 regarding the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In the recommendations, the total area of the approved continental shelf is equivalent to roughly 80% of Japan’s national land’s area. But some evaluations of water areas were deferred, the Japan Coast Guard therefore continues its further efforts to obtain recommendations with relevant government agencies under the comprehensive coordination of the Headquarters for Ocean Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Secretariat.

## (4) Conservation of Okinotorishima, Protecting the Low-Tide Line and Developing the Base of Activities

### a. Conservation of Okinotorishima

Okinotorishima is Japan’s southernmost territory and is a very important island that forms the foundation of the 400,000 km $ ^{2} $ area exclusive economic zone which exceeds the area of national land, so the observation and gathering of basic data, inspections of damages, and repairs are carried out. In addition to the two islets, the central government is taking direct control to ensure adequate measures to preserve the entire atoll.

### b. Preservation of Low-Tide Lines

In accordance with the “Law on the Development of Base Facilities and Preservation of the Low-Tide Line for the Use, Promotion, and Conservation of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Low-Tide Preservation Act)”, 185 domestic locations are designated by government decree as lot-tide conservation areas to implement restrictions on activity in the area. Also, sight patrols by disaster prevention helicopters and ships as well as satellite images are used to survey low-tide lines and its surrounding conditions and by confirming the existence of restricted activities in the area or topographical changes due to natural erosion, strive to protect the low-tide line which forms the basis of the Exclusive Economic Zone and

## Preservation of Low-Tide Lines

## Developing the Base of Activity for Remote Islands

• In order to ensure that the development and usage of maritime resources and maritime research activities are implemented safely and steadily in waters located far away from the mainland, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport implements the development and management of port facilities (designated remote island port facilities: the development details are stated in the basic plan). (Minamitorishima Island) year of project start (Okinotorishima) year of project start

continental shelf as well as appropriate management of related information for the implementation of sure and efficient preservation of low-tide lines.

### c. Developing Bases of Activity in Remote Islands (Okinotorishima and Minamitorishima)

In accordance with the “Low-Tide Line Conservation Act”, etc., Minamitorishima and Okinotorishima which are areas remote from the mainland, port facilities are being developed as a base of activities for the conservation of the exclusive economic zone, etc., and usage for the development and usage marine resources to enable the mooring and berthing of vessels, cargo handling, etc.