Japan's industry minister, Nishimura Yasutoshi, assured fishery workers in Fukushima Prefecture that the government will take measures to safeguard their reputation until the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, NHK reports.
During his visit to the prefecture, he met with senior members of the Soma Futaba fishery cooperative to discuss the government's plan to release treated and diluted water from the plant into the ocean, starting this summer.
The Fukushima Daiichi plant's cooling process involves rain and groundwater mixing with water used to cool molten fuel, resulting in accumulated water containing tritium even after most radioactive substances are removed through treatment. Japan's government intends to dilute the treated water to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water quality before releasing it into the sea.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has recently confirmed that Japan's plan adheres to international safety standards. As the government deliberates on the timing of the water discharge, Minister Nishimura engaged in discussions with fishery industry representatives who oppose the plan.
During the meeting with the Soma Futaba fishery cooperative, officials expressed concerns about potential consequences, including public hesitancy in consuming locally-caught fish after the water release, and anxieties about safeguarding the livelihoods of local fishers.
In response, Nishimura emphasized that the government, together with the IAEA, will continue to conduct safety analyses after the water release. He acknowledged that concerns will persist until the decommissioning process is complete, assuring that the government will remain committed to addressing the matter.
Cooperative head Konno Toshimitsu stressed the importance of swift government action to prevent reputational damage and ensure safety. He pointed out that the planned water release could lead to ongoing problems for local fishers until the Fukushima Daiichi plant's decommissioning is finalized, emphasizing that scientific safety confirmation differs from providing a sense of security.
Additionally, Nishimura met with senior members of a fishery cooperative in the city of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, who also expressed concerns about the potential impact of the water release on Japan's fishing industry as a whole, particularly if China were to impose stricter import restrictions. The government is actively working to address these concerns and maintain the reputation and safety of the region's fishery industry.
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