Uncertainties persist regarding the safety of fish caught in Kamchatka's coastal waters
The discharge of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean began on March 12, 2023, marking the eleventh such release since the process began. Approximately 80,000 tons of treated water have already been released, with around 1.34 million tons accumulated on the station site.
The treated water contains radioactive substances, primarily tritium and cesium-134. The concentration of tritium in the treated water did not exceed the standards set by the government and the operator. However, the appearance of cesium-134 in the Pacific Ocean in 2011, 150 km from Eureka, was directly linked to the accident at Fukushima Daiichi in the spring of 2011. Unlike cesium-137, cesium-134 has a shorter half-life of two years, which means it decays faster, but it still poses a potential danger.
Ocean fish do not only migrate with the currents, which poses a problem in the context of radioactive contamination. Fish, salmon, and other species can move from contaminated areas of the Pacific Ocean to spawning grounds in Sakhalin and Kamchatka. This movement increases the potential spread of radioactive contamination.
Salmon species, such as chum salmon and pink salmon, that spawn in Sakhalin and Kamchatka could be affected by contaminated water from Fukushima Daiichi. The warning in 2012 highlighted the need for increased control over fish entering the waters of the Far East due to the potential danger to fish populations. In response to the warning, Rospotrebnadzor strengthened control over fish entering the waters of the Far East.
The water was tested for radioactive substances before release. Sea water samples near the discharge point confirmed safety, with the maximum concentration of tritium being less than 48 becquerels per liter. Despite these measures, the movement of fish between contaminated areas and spawning grounds remains a concern.
Full treatment of the accumulated water is estimated to take 30 years. As of March 30, approximately 7,800 tons of water are scheduled to be treated. The warning in 2012 also extended to wild salmon stocks that feed off the coast of the U.S. and migrate to Kamchatka, potentially being affected by pollution.
In 2012, Gennady Onishchenko, the chief health inspector, warned of potential danger to fish off the coast of Japan, including Japanese carp, flounder, halibut, and Japanese pufferfish. This underscores the ongoing concern about the impact of the contaminated water on marine life in the Pacific Ocean.
The water treatment process at Fukushima Daiichi began on August 24, 2023. As the process continues, it is crucial to monitor the impact on marine life and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants.
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