In 1931, it was established in Akkeshi-cho as Japan's only subarctic coastal laboratory focusing on cold-water organisms. In 1949, the adjacent former military land and natural forest land were added to the total area of approximately 400,000 square meters, and the facility was developed as a more comprehensive marine biology research and education facility, being used as a research site not only for marine organisms but also for birds, animals, and other natural life in general. In April 2001, the Center was integrated with seven experimental forests, farms, ranches, and botanical gardens affiliated with the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Fisheries, Usujiri Fisheries Station, Toya Lake Station, and the Nanae Fish Farming Training Facility, all affiliated with the Faculty of Science, and the Muroran Seaweed Research Station, all affiliated with the Faculty of Science. The Akkeshi Marine Station belongs to the "Aquatic Station" of the Center, together with Muroran Marine Station, Usujiri Fisheries Station, Toya Lake Station, and Nanae Freshwater Station. The site also houses the Aikappu Museum of Natural history, which is open to the public free of charge from May through October each year.
