Fukushima Fishermen Face New Crisis Over Wastewater Release

Twelve years after a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture, local fishermen like Haruo Ono are grappling with a fresh challenge: fears that releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant could destroy their livelihoods—again.

Ono, who spent a decade rebuilding his life after the 2011 disaster, told NewspaperAmigo.com, \"We survived the waves, but this new threat could wipe us out.\" Many fishermen worry that even safe wastewater claims won’t convince buyers to trust Fukushima seafood.

Scientists argue the water—treated to remove most radioactive elements—is safe, but public skepticism runs deep. \"Our catch is tested daily, but rumors spread faster than facts,\" Ono sighed. With discharge plans moving forward, coastal communities brace for another economic tsunami.

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Fisherman in Japan: We won't be able to sell our catch

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