In the economic fishing zone of Russia’s far east, concerns grew after water released from a major nuclear facility in Japan raised questions about contaminant levels in surrounding seas. This was shared by Ilya Shestakov, the head of Rosrybolovstvo, during the Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona, speaking to RIA News. He stressed that the organization continuously watches the region’s marine environment as part of its mandate to protect fisheries and coastal communities.
Shestakov explained that Rosrybolovstvo has conducted extensive studies since the Fukushima incident. From the moment cooling water began to be released, a Russian research vessel has been active, taking in samples, observing currents, and performing all required analyses to determine any potential impact on marine life and water quality. The aim has been to ensure data-driven decisions and transparent reporting to the public and to trading partners who rely on healthy fisheries.
According to the Rosrybolovstvo chief, current results show normal indicators inside Russia’s exclusive economic zone, with fish populations described as safe and free of observable hazards. He emphasized that these findings pertain strictly to Russian waters and should not be interpreted as a direct assessment of the Japanese coast or the broader Pacific region, which may experience different environmental conditions and regulatory actions. This point underscores the complexity of cross-border environmental monitoring and the need for independent, corroborated data from multiple sources.
“It is challenging to forecast what is happening on the Japanese side,” he noted, adding that signals of higher concentrations of certain contaminants have already appeared in some signals coming from the broader environment. The emphasis remained on rigorous sampling, cross-border collaboration, and continuous reporting to stakeholders concerned with marine ecosystems, seafood safety, and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
On November 2, the operator of the Fukushima-1 power plant announced the start of discharging a third batch of water used to cool the emergency reactors into the ocean. At this stage, around 7.8 thousand tons of water were slated for release, with the operation planned to continue through November 20. This procedural update reflects ongoing management of the site and the long-term environmental monitoring that accompanies such discharges, including independent verification and international oversight where applicable.
Earlier statements from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested a provocative tone regarding public perception by underscoring the importance of verifying safety claims through robust science and transparent communication, rather than inviting speculation. The implications of these developments extend beyond national borders, touching on global fisheries markets, environmental governance, and the assurance of seafood safety for consumers in diverse markets.