International Coastal Research Center (ICRC)

International Coastal Research Center (ICRC) continues intensive coastal marine scientific research and conduct continuous observations of coastal ecosystems after the disaster in 2011, aiming to play an important role in international networks of coastal marine sciences. The ICRC initiated a social contribution/educational program named “School of marine science and local hopes in Sanriku” to build close relationships with local communities in cooperation with the Institute of Social Science of the University of Tokyo. 

Otsuchi Coastal Center is located in the Sanriku coastal area, where the Oyashio and Kuroshio currents form a mixed body of water, and is well known around the world as a sea area with high biological productivity and diversity, making it an advantageous location for coastal marine research. We are prepared.
The Tohoku Pacific Coast Earthquake on March 11, 2011 and the accompanying tsunami caused major disturbances to coastal marine ecosystems. At our center, we disseminate to the world the results of collaborative research we have accumulated over the past 40 years, as well as research results on changes in the marine environment and ecosystems caused by earthquakes and tsunamis, and we also aim to establish an international network for coastal ocean research. We aim to play a central role in In addition, by building closer ties with local communities than ever before, we will work tirelessly to foster hope through science.
In February 2018, the research building and accommodation building were rebuilt in the same Akahama area as the current site, adjacent to the planned housing site. In March 2019, the aquarium experimental facility was rebuilt on the old premises, and in April 2021, the exhibition museum "Sea Study Room" was opened for the purpose of disseminating research results and interacting.