Responding to release of treated water from Fukushima nuclear power plant … Expansion of marine radioactivity survey = Korea

The South Korean government will expand marine radioactivity surveys in major seafood production areas to prepare for the release of treated water from Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant.

South Korea's Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries announced on February 2nd that it will add seven locations to its ongoing marine radioactivity surveys in coastal waters nationwide starting in February.

Since 2015, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has been conducting marine radioactivity surveys in South Korea's coastal waters. In 2019, there were 32 survey points, which will be expanded to 39 in 2020-2021, and 45 in 2020.

From this February, 7 locations will be added to the existing 45 locations, increasing the total to 52 locations. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries will conduct surveys on 29 major sites on a bimonthly basis, and the other 23 sites twice a year in February and August.

The expansion of the survey points and cycle was carried out based on the Yoon Seo-gyeol government's plan to build a supply system for safe marine products, including radiation testing, which is a national agenda.

Jeon Do-hyun, director of marine environment policy at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said, "The government will continue to prioritize the health and safety of its citizens and strengthen its domestic radiation monitoring system." We will also focus on quality control of information services, such as disclosing results promptly and transparently."