Environmental scientists and marine biologists from Japan, South Korea, and Pacific nations are raising urgent concerns about Tokyo's proposal to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. Over 1.3 million tonnes of water – used to cool reactors after the 2011 disaster – could begin flowing into the Pacific as early as 2024.
Environmental Risks Under Scrutiny
Experts warn radioactive isotopes like tritium could accumulate in seafood supplies across the Asia-Pacific region. 'We've seen contamination travel through ocean currents within months,' said Dr. Lee Min-ho, a Seoul-based marine ecologist. 'This isn't just Japan's issue – it's a global food security question.'
Calls for Accountability
- 12% decline reported in Fukushima fishing yields since 2021
- 45+ countries/regions still restrict Japanese seafood imports
- UN Human Rights Council called for 'transparent impact studies'
Japanese officials maintain the water meets safety standards after filtration, but critics argue the ALPS system can't remove all radioactive elements. International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring continues as regional tensions escalate.
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Experts condemn Japan's nuclear-contaminated wastewater plan
cgtn.com
