Dolphins are really friendly to mankind, and we should be considering what can and should be done to protect the natural environment of dolphins so that they can live close to the habitat of man. In recent years, dolphin and whale watching has grown in popularity, as these activities represent opportunities to get close to these animals in their free and natural environment. These increased opportunities to come in contact with dolphins will without doubt lead to an increased interest in the sea, and a greater concern to protect both the natural marine environment which is the basis of all life, and the lives of our fellow creatures. The recent boom in marine leisure sports has meant that many more people are enjoying the sea. We believe however, that the pleasures of marine activities are enhanced by maintaining an environment where sea creatures can live in safety and the attractions of the oceans are increased by the presence of a great variety of sea creatures.
Dolphins have a strange power to open our hearts and generate peaceful feelings.
The Dolphin Symposium seeks to verify the attraction and mysteries of these dolphins, explore ways to protect the global environment and the oceans in which the dolphins live and heighten the appeal of the seas. 1998 is the International Year of the Ocean, and the International Oceans Expo is being held at Lisbon in Portugal. Many events are planned both in Japan and overseas in conjunction with the International Year of the Ocean. We will endeavor to liaise with other related events and organize this symposium in a manner appropriate to the Year of the Ocean.