Marine Life Under Threat

Bini Dahal

Besides hydropower, nuclear power is another alternative source of energy that countries are found opting for. It is an energy source with low carbon emissions. While the level of pollution it releases is low, nuclear power’s pollutant is radioactive in nature and it can be harmful. So, when the topic of nuclear water discharge comes up, it is not taken in a positive light.

The government of Japan is now planning to release nuclear-charged water around the spring or summer season into the Pacific Ocean. The wastewater comes from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant located in the city of Fukushima. The reason behind the discharge is simple – the storage space is running out and the power plant does not have the potential to store more of the water. According to reports, the plant is known to produce 100 cubic metres of contaminated water which is filtered and stored in tanks.  

And now, it is beyond the storage limit as the site already holds more than 1.3 million cubic metres of radioactive water. Therefore, the government has no alternative but to immediately release it. However, the Japanese government says that the water will not be released as it is. The harmful radioactive materials will be intensively treated to reduce the level of its effects on the sea. Only tritium will not be removed from the water, which the authorities say is harmless while in small amounts. 

But countries, including China and South Korea, are not happy with Japan’s decision. And not just these countries, local people themselves are voicing their concerns. The fishermen in Fukushima are highly dependent on the Pacific Ocean for their livelihood. The 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accidents had sent the fishing industry into a slump. Earthquakes and tsunami wrecked the power plant and caused high radioactive content to release into the water. People had stopped consuming the seafood from the area and its reputation had gone down. 

Now as the fishing industry is slowly restoring its reputation and gaining the trust of consumers, the fishermen are concerned that government’s new move will repeat the scenario. Radioactive contamination is known to severely affect marine life. It has the ability to disrupt the marine life cycle, kill organisms and even cause problems for the coming generations. When the environment itself is in misbalance, the lives of people will also be in upheaval. 

Let’s think of the Sushi and Sashimi that we so much enjoy. We will be deprived of the necessary nutrition that different kinds of seafood could provide to us. So, in the long-run, the livelihood and food security itself can be harmed beyond the measure. Also, diseases such as cancer and thyroid could be propelled owing to radiation. Therefore, the government and the power plant authorities should be mindful when releasing the treated water. The discharges should be consistently tested and monitored.

The authorities should also hold sessions with the fishermen and other local people. Their concerns need be listened to and addressed. Regarding the consumption of the fishes and other seafood, consumers should be properly informed and be guaranteed that they are fit for consumption and do not have any harmful effects. The government has the responsibility at multiple levels to ensure proper livelihood and safety of all.