Sea ice covers 10% of the earth's oceans, which produces dynamic cycles in the atmosphere and in the oceans as a major factor in the global heat balance.
The Sea of Okhotsk is the lowest latitude freezing sea in the earth, and the coast of Hokkaido is the southern limit of sea ice in the Northern Hemisphere. Every winter, 60-70% of the Sea of Okhotsk is covered with sea ice, which has both merits and demerits in human lives.
　　　Furthermore, the sea ice extent in the Arctic Ocean has decreased rapidly due to the recent global warming, which is a serious environmental problem. On the other hand, the "Arctic Sea Routes" between the Pacific Ocean and Europe has become important, and the international situation has become a sensitive issue.
　　　For these reasons, sea ice deeply relates to the global environment and also to human activities such as fisheries, agriculture, and industry. Thus, The International Symposium on Okhotsk Sea & Polar Oceans covers varieties of topics of sea ice, global warming, environmental change, ecosystems and fisheries, and many subjects in the Okhotsk region.
　　　This Symposium had been held every year in Mombetsu since 1986 until 2020, but was canceled in 2021due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the academic sessions were held online in 2022, and by a hybrid style in 2023. And at last, in 2024, the Symposium was held in person style again. In addition, Public Programs, Symposium for Children, and Reception were also restarted. We hope that all participants will have fruitful discussions and warm up exchanges. Please enjoy the Symposium!!