The first 2026 Public Lecture Series organized by the Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, was delivered by Dr. Eun-Yae Son, specially appointed assistant professor in the Uehiro Laboratory for Oceanography. Prior to the lecture, opening remarks were given by Professor Fujimori, Director of the Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, while Professor Naoki Tojo served as moderator.

Dr. Son presented a lecture entitled “What Does Arctic Change Tell Us? – Sea Ice Decline and the Frontline of Ocean Observations.” The lecture introduced recent environmental changes occurring in the Arctic as a consequence of global warming, their influence on weather patterns in the mid- and low-latitude regions, and the latest field observation techniques employed by physical oceanographers to investigate these changes.

A total of 88 participants attended the lecture, including both in-person and online attendees. The event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of recent developments in Arctic research and the impacts of climate change.