Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Miyashita visited Fukushima Prefecture for the first time since taking office and exchanged views with executives of the Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Federations on the impact of the release of treated water accumulated at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, and emphasized that emergency support measures for fisheries businesses, including measures against rumors, would be promptly implemented.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Miyashita visited Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture on the morning of November 27 and exchanged views at the Onahama Fish Market with Mr. Tetsu Nozaki, Chairman of the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Federations, and others.
In response to the release of treated water accumulated at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which began on the 24th of last month, the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries has shown its opposition to the release.
In addition, China, the largest export destination for marine products, has rebelled and completely suspended imports of Japan seafood products, which has had a widespread impact on the entire fishery industry.
In an exchange of views, Minister Miyashita stated, "I would like to work firmly in cooperation with each ministry toward the implementation of the policy package that was recently decided so that people can continue to conduct rapid inspections of tritium in marine products and to ensure that they can continue to be comfortable with peace of mind." He emphasized that Japan will promptly implement emergency support measures for fishery businesses amounting to 1007.<> billion yen for the purpose of countermeasures against rumors.
Minister Miyashita then inspected the fish market and received an explanation from the person in charge on the status of landings.
Minister Miyashita is scheduled to meet with Governor Uchibori at the Fukushima Prefectural Government Office on the evening of March 27.
Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Federation Chairman Tetsu Nozaki: "I want you to respond with a sense of urgency"
Tetsu Nozaki, chairman of the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Federations, told reporters after exchanging opinions, "So far, I believe that everyone has responded calmly with understanding," and expressed his recognition that no reputational damage had occurred since the release.
He then stated, "I told the minister that I would like him to respond with a sense of urgency so that this situation can continue for the next month, the next year, five years, and ten years."