My name is Hiroshi Yajima. I am the newly appointed Director of the Estuary Research Center at Shimane University from April 2024. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this valuable opportunity.
The Estuary Research Center (EsReC) was established to pursue the richness and sustainable future of the waterfront in Shimane, which is blessed with a rich natural environment. Our mission is to deepen our understanding of estuarine environments and ecosystems and largely communicate their value to the community. We regard it as our very important mission to protect the rich nature and ecosystem of Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi and to pass them on to future generations. Our vision is to leave abundant and sustainable estuaries for future generations.　　　
The integration of research and practice characterizes the EsReC. Through interdisciplinary approaches, we research the conservation of estuarine environments and ecosystems and their sustainable use. We also emphasize collaboration with local communities and contribute to local issues through actual fieldwork and educational activities. Furthermore, the EsReC intends to build cooperative relationships with other related Japanese and international research institutions and companies and develop research activities from an international perspective.
EsReC's activity is possible through the cooperation of our outstanding researchers and staff, passionate about preserving the natural environment, the local community, and related institutions. Without your support and cooperation, we could not accomplish our mission. We promise to continue working with you and return our research results to the community. We sincerely appreciate your support.
We will continue our efforts to realize a sustainable future for estuaries, including Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. We intend to contribute to revitalizing these regions and environmental conservation by actively disseminating our research results to the region. We will do our best to preserve the beauty of nature for future generations.
We look forward to your support and cooperation.