Japanese Fukushima Fishermen's Group Reiterates Opposition to Contaminated Water Discharge

As the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan is imminent, a local fishermen's group has reiterated its opposition to the release.

A representative of a Japanese civic group is holding a sign opposing the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant at a rally held in front of the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on the 10th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to local media on the 27th, the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations (Fisheries Cooperative) once again expressed opposition to the plan to discharge contaminated water from the nuclear power plant into the ocean. On this day, Tetsu Nozaki, chairman of the Fukushima Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative, stated in a meeting with local cooperative heads, government officials, and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) representatives that "if the government and TEPCO proceed with the discharge by any means, the promise will not have been fulfilled."

Chairman Nozaki's remarks refer to a written promise made by the Japanese government in 2015 to the Fukushima Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative that contaminated water would not be disposed of without the understanding of the stakeholders. In response, the Japanese government and TEPCO, which have announced their intention to forcibly discharge the contaminated water into the ocean, continue efforts to persuade the fishermen.