Japan Expresses Disapproval of Russian Seafood Ban Over Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater

17 Oct, 2023

Japan Expresses Disapproval of Russian Seafood Ban Over Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater

Japan has strongly criticized Russia's decision to join China in banning the import of Japanese seafood as a response to the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. Russia announced the implementation of import restrictions on Japanese seafood almost two months after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant began discharging treated radioactive wastewater into the ocean.

The continuous wastewater discharges, expected to persist for decades, have faced opposition from fishing groups and neighboring countries, notably South Korea, where numerous protests have erupted. China had already imposed a seafood import ban from Japan as soon as the wastewater release began in August, causing significant harm to Japanese seafood producers and exporters.

Japan's Foreign Ministry conveyed transparent and scientifically supported explanations regarding the safety of the treated water release from the Fukushima plant, along with the safety of Japanese seafood. In response to Russia's unexpected request for a dialogue on the issue, Japan submitted relevant documents.

The ministry regarded Moscow's restrictions as unjust and contradictory to the global trend of easing or lifting import restrictions on Japanese food. They expressed deep regret over Russia's decision and firmly demanded its withdrawal, emphasizing Japan's commitment to science-based actions.

The Fukushima plant's initial wastewater release occurred from August 24 to September 11, with 7,800 tons of treated water discharged from 10 tanks. The second discharge, which began on October 5, involved the release of an additional 7,800 tons of treated water into the Pacific Ocean over a 17-day period.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a safety assessment of the wastewater release and concluded that, if executed as planned, it would have a minimal impact on the environment, marine life, and human health. A team of IAEA experts from China, South Korea, and Canada will conduct sampling of seawater and marine life in the vicinity of the plant.

To mitigate the impact of China's seafood ban, the Japanese government established a relief fund to explore new markets and promote domestic seafood sales which includes the storing, freezing, and temporary purchase.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the government contend that releasing the water into the sea is inevitable due to the tanks reaching capacity early next year, necessitating space for the plant's decommissioning, expected to span decades. They assert that the treated water meets international safety standards, as it is treated to reduce radioactive materials and then diluted with seawater by hundreds of times to ensure safety.