Gyeongnam Fisheries Workers "Oppose Japan's Contaminated Water Discharge, Resolve Seafood Consumption Decline"

Fishermen in Gyeongnam voiced concerns over the damage to the fisheries industry caused by Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

The Korea Fisheries Management Association Gyeongnam Federation and the Korea Autonomous Fisheries Gyeongnam Federation held a press conference at the provincial government press center on the 18th, stating, "Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water has been used as sensational material by some media and as a political tool, leading to a public aversion to seafood."

They added, "Excessive concerns about the safety of the contaminated water have severely depressed seafood consumption, causing enormous difficulties for our fishermen and seafood vendors' livelihoods."

They declared, "Seafood produced in the seas of the Republic of Korea is safe," and "We oppose the discharge of contaminated water from the Japanese nuclear power plant, whose scientific safety has not been verified."

The Korea Fisheries Management Association Gyeongnam Federation and the Korea Autonomous Fisheries Management Gyeongnam Federation are urging opposition to the discharge of contaminated water from the Japanese nuclear power plant and calling for measures to address the decline in seafood consumption.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

"If domestic fishermen collapse, the nation's dining tables will be dominated by imported seafood," they said, urging, "Please establish long-term measures for fishermen to lead the future food security battle."

They also stated, "We will hold legally accountable those responsible for direct and indirect damages caused by baseless claims that ignore the scientific truths presented by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and national research institutions."

"Our seafood is safe, but the damage caused by consumption contraction due to rumors is severe," they raised their voices, demanding, "Enact special legislation to establish measures related to fishermen and provide grounds for support against damages caused by rumors."

They further called for ▲ the cessation of political disputes, ▲ realistic measures to address the decline in seafood consumption, ▲ stopping agitation using distorted information and protecting fishermen, ▲ enacting special laws to prevent seafood consumption decline, and ▲ holding public hearings involving academia, fishermen, and citizens excluding politicians.

Kim Tae-hyung, president of the Korea Fisheries Management Association Gyeongnam Chapter, said, "When the Fukushima nuclear accident occurred in 2011, we opposed the discharge of contaminated water because there was no scientific basis or explanation," adding, "Now, the government and professional institutions have scientifically proven the safety and are providing related information."

"Although 12 years have passed since the Fukushima nuclear accident, we have confirmed that domestic seafood has not exceeded radiation standards," he said. "Our country's seafood is safe, and Gyeongnam seafood is even safer, so we hope consumers can consume it with confidence."

A fisherman from Sacheon who participated in the press conference said, "If Japan does not release contaminated water into the sea, there would be no need to emphasize the safety of our safe seafood," adding, "Instead of politicians fighting over vested interests, I hope they unite for fishermen to block the discharge of contaminated water and simultaneously consider damage countermeasures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.