Introduction: Overview of our research on impacts of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident on fish and fishing grounds

Abstract

As a result of the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011, a large volume of radionuclides was released into the environment, thus contaminating marine and freshwater systems. The Fisheries Research Agency has conducted research beginning soon after the accident. Our research addressed the contamination processes of radionuclides (mainly radiocesium) through water, sediments, and food chains, in both marine and freshwater systems, based on a large volume of original in situ data. Our research has also provided important information on when and how marine fish have been contaminated. This chapter gives an overview of our research.