Fukushima Fisheries Federation to expand fishing zones

The Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations has officially decided to reduce the fishing voluntary restraint zone surrounding the Tokyo Electric Power Company Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Starting in January 2027, the restricted area will be reduced from a 10-kilometer radius to a 7-kilometer radius, effectively expanding the available fishing grounds.

However, fishing will remain prohibited at two specific locations outside the 7-kilometer radius where earthquake debris has not yet been removed. The decision follows strong requests from the Soma Futaba Fisheries Cooperative, which cited limited fishing grounds as a primary concern. The Federation began pilot operations in 2012, focusing on specific species and areas.