Abe promises to dispel rumors about fish

October 19, 2013

Abe to address rumors about seafood contamination

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20131019_26.html

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has promised to work to dispel rumors about seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture being contaminated with radiation.

Abe visited Matsukawaura port in Fukushima Prefecture on Saturday. He has visited areas affected by the March 2011 disaster almost every month.

Local fishery cooperative officials briefed him on the experimental fishing that resumed on September 25th. Fishing had been suspended due to radioactive wastewater leaks at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Abe tasted octopus and squid caught near the port as well as whitebait that is being caught on an experimental basis.

He said he would like people across Japan to know that seafood caught off Fukushima is good and safe. He said the government will publicize the safety of the seafood.

Abe later visited Shinchi Town, where he was briefed on a project to move the whole community to higher ground after it was severely affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

He offered words of encouragement to the townspeople living in temporary housing who have agreed to move to higher ground collectively. He said they had made a difficult decision, but that their future is now in sight. Abe said the government will do its best to rebuild Fukushima.

Abe then visited a kitchen utility factory that resumed production in a former no-entry zone in Minamisoma City.

Abe told reporters that fishing has resumed, although on an experimental basis, and tests have found all seafood to be safe. However, he said the fact remains that fishermen and farmers in Fukushima are suffering from rumors with no factual basis. Abe said he will continue to work to disseminate accurate information that Fukushima's fishery and agricultural products are safe.