The Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations has decided to shrink the area off the coast where its boats still hold back from fishing, following the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The no-fishing radius will fall from 10 km to 7 km.
The federation cited radiation testing that has confirmed the safety of fish and shellfish. The current self-restraint has been in place since the 2011 accident at the plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company.
The decision is a small step in a long effort to persuade buyers and consumers that seafood landed off Fukushima is safe. Fishing off the prefecture has resumed only gradually since the accident.
NHK reported the decision. The federation has not said when the smaller zone will take effect, and the size of the catch expected from the newly opened water was not given.