TOKYO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese fisheries federation voiced its opposition again on Thursday to the planned release of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the sea, local media reported.
Masanobu Sakamoto, president of the national federation of fisheries cooperatives known as JF Zengyoren, handed over a request opposing the release plan to Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura, public broadcaster NHK said.
Sakamoto also urged the government to take thorough measures to prevent reputational damage to fishery products and to extend support to the local fishing industry, it said.
Nishimura said that he understands the fishery workers' concerns, but releasing the wastewater into the sea is unavoidable in the reconstruction of Fukushima, according to NHK.
Speaking to reporters after their meeting, Sakamoto said he told Nishimura that the federation's opposition to the discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water will not change, and that the government should take complete responsibility.
