Myeong Hyun-gwan, Haenam County Governor, Orders "Minimizing Damage Response to Japan's Contaminated Water Discharge"

Regular Meeting: Strengthening Safety Inspections and Monitoring of Seafood Products

Myung Hyun-gwan, the governor of Haenam County, on the 28th, instructed thorough implementation of countermeasures to prevent damage to the fishing industry, including fishermen, in relation to the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima.

Governor Myung expressed deep regret over the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima during an open communication meeting held in the county office situation room with heads of departments and town and township chiefs in attendance. He stated, “As the discharge of contaminated water becomes a reality, nationwide seafood consumption is decreasing and anxiety is growing. Therefore, please promptly implement the county’s own countermeasures to prevent the spread of damage to the fishing industry, including fishermen.” He also expressed concern, saying, “Haenam, surrounded by the sea on three sides, has a large proportion of its economy dependent on fishing, and direct and indirect damage is expected to continue due to this discharge of contaminated water.”

Myeong Hyun-gwan, the head of Haenam County, is instructing to thoroughly implement response measures to prevent damage to the fisheries industry related to the discharge of contaminated water from Japan.
[Photo by Haenam County]

He emphasized the need for local government-level responses, including immediately allocating budgets to find practical solutions for urgent matters and having all departments collaborate to prepare mid- to long-term measures.

Since last month, when discussions on the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima began, Haenam County has been meticulously establishing countermeasures and significantly expanding seafood safety inspections and monitoring.

The seafood safety inspections have been expanded from the original 42 tests across 11 types to 100 tests across 11 types. Additionally, 13 portable radiation detectors were purchased and distributed to each town and township to establish a constant inspection system.

In particular, the county is promoting the designation of “Safe Seafood Villages” for fishing areas that are regularly tested and managed for harmful substances such as radiation. Among 335 aquaculture, village fisheries, and land-based marine aquaculture sites in the jurisdiction, 182 have applied, and the county plans to continue expanding this. Furthermore, the county plans to strengthen origin labeling inspections of seafood from once a month to twice a month with related agencies and conduct spot inspections as well.

Along with this, in the face of a sharp decline in seafood consumption, promotional and publicity activities for safe seafood will also be expanded. Ahead of the Chuseok holiday, a large-scale consumption promotion event will be held to respond to the contraction in seafood consumption, and the county will also propose the payment of compensation for damages and government purchase of seafood with sluggish sales.

Governor Myung Hyun-gwan said, “The impact is expected not only on seafood production and sales but also across all sectors including distribution, industry, and tourism.” He urged, “Please work perfectly through interdepartmental cooperation to alleviate the anxiety of residents and minimize damage.”