China bans seafood from Japan after the Fukushima nuclear plant begins its wastewater release

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

OKUMA, Japan (AP) — Japan’s tsunami-wrecked nuclear power plant in Fukushima is releasing its first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. The operator showed in live video a staff member turn on a seawater pump on Thursday, starting the controversial project that’s expected to last for decades. China responded by banning seafood from Japan, effective immediately. Shortly after China’s announcement, the plant’s operator said it will compensate Japanese business owners for damages suffered by export bans over the wastewater release. The Japanese government and the operator say the treatment and dilution exceeds international safety standards. Still, some scientists say the long-term impact needs attention.