Yilan Su-ao Fishermen’s Association Chief Executive Chen Chun-sheng (陳春生)
reports that fishermen and consumers are very worried about contamination. He says he has been requesting that Taiwan communicate with the Japanese government and even suggests that an international committee be formed to monitor the situation.
Agricultural Ministry Fisheries Director Chang Chih-sheng (張致盛) says that any data shared by Japan will need to be carefully scrutinized and scientifically verified. He continues to say that the Taiwan government has examined more than 4,500 samples of aquatic products since the 2011 disaster and found no problems, though with Japan’s release of wastewater, inspection efforts will be stepped up to ensure food safety. Chang elaborates that testing will increase to 3,000 samples per year, and from September, vessels will be collecting and examining seawater from fishing areas in the North Pacific Ocean.
Tritiated water is a form of water in which tritium, a radioactive hydrogen isotope with a half-life of roughly 12 years, has replaced the normal protium atoms. It is used as a tracer for water transport studies in medical and scientific research, the energy source in radioluminescent lights, and as a nuclear fusion fuel.