The Japanese government plans to drastically increase the number of specialists and experts in maritime exploration and surveys, expanding the number of technical personnel from the current 2,000 to 10,000.

This dramatic expansion will help to better protect Japan's maritime rights and interests, according to the Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun on Tuesday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe noted at an annual ceremony held for "Japan Maritime Day" in Tokyo on Monday that the waters surrounding the Japanese archipelago are rich in abundant resources.

It is necessary for Japan to train a large number of people for maritime industries in order to effectively utilize these resources, Abe said.

"In 2030, the technical personnel on ocean exploration and marine development will quintuple, increasing from the current 2,000 to 10,000 people," Abe said.