TEPCO Makes Progress Toward Fukushima Daiichi Decommissioning
On April 10, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) began the 12th round of ALPS treated water discharges from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. This was the first of seven planned discharges in Fiscal Year 2025.
As the discharge continues, tanks no longer needed will be dismantled in phases. The cleared space will be repurposed for building new facilities essential to the decommissioning process.
ALPS treated water refers to water that has come into contact with radioactive materials inside the Fukushima Daiichi reactor buildings and then been treated to remove impurities that make it unsafe. In the immediate aftermath of the nuclear accident, roughly 500 cubic meters of contaminated water were generated each day. This was primarily due to rainwater and groundwater mixing with water that had come into contact with molten nuclear fuel (fuel debris). By FY2023, that figure had decreased to 80 cubic meters per day.
All of the contaminated water is collected and then steadily purified through the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to meet safety standards set by regulators. Radioactive materials, except tritium, an element commonly present in nature, are removed.
Discharge operations began in August 2023. Around 86,000 tons of ALPS treated water had been released into the ocean as of the end of March 2025. TEPCO plans to discharge approximately 54,600 tons over seven rounds in FY 2025.
Also at Fukushima Daiichi, TEPCO began its second trial retrieval of fuel debris from Unit 2 of the nuclear power plant on April 15, 2025.
The debris was formed when radioactive fuel in the reactor could no longer be cooled during the 2011 accident caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. It refers to a solidified mixture of molten nuclear fuel and structural materials from the reactor. Sample of fuel debris retrieved from Unit 2 in September 2024. Size: approximately 9mm × 7mm; Weight: approximately 0.69g (©JAEA via TEPCO HD)
The first retrieval was conducted in September 2024. This second attempt targets a location one to two meters closer to the center of the primary containment vessel. A specially designed robotic arm — capable of precision movements and navigating tight spaces — is being used for the operation.
The Japanese government and TEPCO aim to remove all remaining fuel debris and complete the decommissioning process by 2051. Control room during the second remotely operated fuel debris retrieval. April 15, 2025 (© TEPCO HD *Some portions of the image have been modified)
In seawater near the ALPS treated water discharge outlet, the highest tritium concentration detected was 56 becquerels per liter. This is based on a rapid measurement conducted in March 2025.
The level is well below TEPCO's suspension threshold of 700 becquerels per liter, which applies to readings taken within three kilometers of the plant. It is also far lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for drinking water, which sets the upper limit at 10,000 becquerels per liter.
On April 7, the China National Nuclear Corporation released findings from seawater and marine life samples collected near the plant in February. The samples, analyzed by Chinese research institutions, showed no irregularities in tritium levels or other radioactive substances.
China imposed a blanket ban on Japanese marine products when the ALPS treated water discharge began. It has since announced that imports meeting safety standards will gradually resume. However, it has not said when.
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Japan Forward
10 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Antarctic Whales: Insights from Decades of Research
[SPONSORED] Japan's long-term surveys of whales in the Antarctic Ocean have deepened understanding of the region's whale populations. What scientists learned. Humpback whales have seen a remarkable recovery in their populations in both the southern and northern hemispheres. (©Institute for Cetacean Research) このページを 日本語 で読む Since 1987, Japan's Institute of Cetacean Research (ICR) has carried out long-term whale surveys in the Antarctic Ocean. Over the years, these efforts have deepened our understanding of whales and whale populations and the surrounding marine environment. This article offers a reader-friendly look at what the research has revealed so far. Minke whales were once believed to be a single species found across the world's oceans. However, research from Japan's whale sampling program revealed that those in the Southern Hemisphere are genetically distinct. They are now classified as Antarctic minke whales. These whales are widely distributed across the Southern Hemisphere. In summer, they migrate south to the Antarctic Ocean, where they feed on vast amounts of Antarctic krill to store energy for the year ahead. They exist in multiple populations, each with its own breeding grounds. Japanese research identified two major populations between the Indian Ocean and western Pacific (35°E to 145°W), which intermingle in the central part of this range. Historically, Antarctic minke whales reached sexual maturity at around 14 to 15 years of age. But after commercial whaling sharply reduced blue and other large baleen whales, krill became more abundant. This abundance allowed minke whales to mature earlier — now at just seven to eight years. That shift likely contributed to a population increase from around 100,000 to 515,000 individuals. Estimated Population of Antarctic Minke Whales in Area IV. (©Suisan Keizai Daily News) Southern right whales can grow up to 18 meters long, while newborns measure between 4.5 and 6 meters. They are easy to recognize by their enormous heads — roughly a quarter of their body length — and the callosities (roughened patches) on their skin. Unlike many other whale species, they have no dorsal fin or throat grooves. Pregnancy lasts about 12 months, and females give birth roughly every three years. Calving takes place in mid- to low-latitude coastal waters, including areas off southwestern Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and both coasts of South America. After calving, the whales migrate to higher latitudes to feed. Due to their slow swimming speed and tendency to float after death, southern right whales were among the first to be targeted by whalers. Intense hunting by European and American fleets from the 17th to 19th centuries led to a steep decline in their numbers. By 1920, their global population had fallen to an estimated 300 individuals — already considered rare when modern whaling began. The species has been protected from hunting since 1937 and has now been under international protection for 86 years (as of 2023). Their original population is estimated at 55,000 to 70,000. In the Antarctic, they are mainly found in Area IV, where a 2007–08 survey estimated the population at 1,557 individuals, with an annual growth rate of 5.9%. Estimated Population of Southern Right Whales in Area IV. (©Suisan Keizai Daily News) Fin whales are most commonly found between 40°S and 60°S, a region known for its strong westerly winds and rough seas. Some whales venture even farther south beyond 60°S, which contributes to year-to-year fluctuations in population estimates. Commercial hunting of fin whales in the Southern Hemisphere was banned in 1976. As of 2023 — 47 years later — there are encouraging signs of recovery. In the Southern Ocean south of 60°S, the Indian Ocean group (Areas III East and IV) was estimated at 3,087 individuals in 1995/96, but declined to 2,610 in 2007/08. In contrast, the South Pacific group (Areas V and western VI) grew dramatically from 1,879 to 14,981 individuals over the same period. These groups are now showing annual growth rates of 8.9% and 12%, respectively. Estimated Population of Fin Whales in the Indo-Pacific Region South of 60°S. (©Suisan Keizai Daily News) In the Southern Hemisphere, adult humpback whales can reach about 16 meters for females and 15 meters for males. Newborns typically measure between 4.5 and 5.0 meters. Their most distinctive feature is their exceptionally long pectoral fins, which can stretch to one-third of their body lasts around 12 months. Calving takes place in warmer, low-latitude coastal waters, after which mothers and calves migrate to cooler, high-latitude feeding grounds south of 50°S. From 1904 to 1963, humpbacks were heavily targeted by commercial whaling, and their numbers declined steeply. Hunting was banned in the Southern Hemisphere in the 1963/64 season and later extended worldwide in 1966. When Japan's Antarctic Research Program for Whales (JARPA) began, humpback sightings were so rare that spotting just one became a highlight of cruise logs. But beginning in the late 1990s, researchers started to witness a remarkable recovery. In the Indian Ocean sector of Antarctica (Area IV), humpbacks eventually became the dominant species by biomass south of 60°S during summer, overtaking Antarctic minke whales. Since the mid-1990s, the IWC Scientific Committee has raised questions about the reliability of JARPA's findings, prompting Japan to defend the credibility of its research. In August 2008, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released an update: although some regional concerns remain, the global humpback whale population — including those in the Northern Hemisphere — had surpassed 60,000 and was continuing to grow. The IUCN reclassified the species from "Vulnerable (VU)" to "Least Concern (LC)" on its Red List. Recent estimates put the population at 29,067 in Area IV and 13,894 in Area V, with both regions showing steady growth. Surveys conducted by Australia and New Zealand have also confirmed this upward trend. Estimated Population of Humpback Whales in Area IV. (©Suisan Keizai Daily News) Visual surveys conducted in the Antarctic during the 1980s estimated the blue whale population at just 700 individuals, highlighting the species' critically endangered status at the time. By the 2005/06 to 2007/08 surveys, the estimated number of blue whales south of 60°S in the Southern Ocean had increased to 1,223. The population is now believed to be growing at an annual rate of about 8.2%. Even so, the numbers remain very low — just around 2% of the species' estimated original population of 250,000. Still, more than 60 years have passed since hunting was banned in the 1963/64 season, and there are now gentle signs that the species is on a slow path to recovery. Estimated Population of Blue Whales in the Indo-Pacific Region South of 60°S. (©Suisan Keizai Daily News) This program was launched in response to the International Whaling Commission (IWC)'s 1982 decision to place a moratorium on commercial whaling. The IWC's main focus was the Antarctic minke whale. Surveys focused on population size, natural mortality, recruitment rates, and the ecological role of whales in the Antarctic Ocean. Researchers also examined how environmental changes were affecting whale populations and studied the distribution of different whale groups across the region. JARPA II expanded the scope of research to include not only Antarctic minke whales but also fin whales and humpback whales. The program aimed to explore how different whale species interact with one another, monitor the broader Antarctic ecosystem, and develop models of ecological competition among whales. In 2014, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) reviewed the program following a case brought by Australia. While the court acknowledged the scientific value of the research, it ruled that JARPA II did not fall within the scope of Article VIII, Paragraph 1 of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. One of the reasons cited was the program's failure to meet its target sample size. As a result, JARPA II came to an end later that year. NEWREP-A was developed in response to the ICJ ruling. The program was launched after expert review by the IWC and discussions within its Scientific Committee. Its main goal was to improve the accuracy of biological and ecological data used to calculate catch limits for Antarctic minke whales under the Revised Management Procedure (RMP). It also aimed to deepen understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem through the development of ecosystem models. This ongoing program continues Japan's long-term efforts to study whales in the Antarctic with a focus on sustainable use of marine resources. All research is conducted through non-lethal methods. The survey looks at population size and trends among large whale species, as well as their distribution, migration patterns, and stock structure. Since the launch of JASS-A, no whales have been caught, and researchers are now working to update population estimates based on data from the 2010s and 2020s. Surveys are primarily being conducted in Areas IV and V. (©Suisan Keizai Daily News ) (Provided by the Institute of Cetacean Research) (The report is published in cooperation with the Institute of Cetacean Research in Japan. A version of it was first published in Japanese in the Suisan Keizai Daily News on February 28, 2023. Let us hear your thoughts in our comments section.) Author: Suisan Keizai Daily News このページを 日本語 で読む
CBC
3 days ago
- CBC
This invasive fly could help Kamloops, B.C., fight the invasive Japanese beetle
It may look like your average housefly, but this invasive, parasitic fly species could help stop the spread of invasive Japanese beetles, which were recently found near downtown Kamloops, B.C. It's called the winsome fly. Like the beetle, it also hails from Japan, and its sole purpose in life is to lay its eggs on those beetles, according to a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Paul Abram. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae get into the beetle, where they develop. They cause the beetle to bury itself in the soil and die, Abram said. Those flies stay in the soil over winter, and in the spring come back and start looking for new beetles to kill. Late last year, the Japanese beetles were detected in Kamloops, the first time the pests were detected in B.C. outside the Lower Mainland. The Japanese beetles were spotted just outside the Interior city's downtown core this year. The beetles feed on grass and plants, and have the potential to cause significant damage. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recognizes the insect's spread as a threat to commercial crops and native plants, and the Invasive Species Council of B.C. says it "poses a severe threat to ecosystems and industries." Abram said Japanese beetles invaded northeastern North America in the early 1900s, prompting U.S. officials to go to Japan to collect species that might hunt the insects. "This winsome fly was one of the species," Abram told CBC's Daybreak Kamloops. "Over the next 100 years, it became naturalized, and it turned out to be very specific to the Japanese beetle." He said researchers are still collecting data, but they've seen the fly kill up to 75 per cent of invasive Japanese beetles in some areas of Quebec. While that's promising news, it's unlikely the flies would be able to eradicate the beetles in B.C. "With any of these invasive pest species, unfortunately, there's seldom or never one sort of single silver bullet solution," Abram said. But it would certainly help to get to that point, he added. "The really nice thing about biological control by the winsome fly is … the more that they're doing their job every year, the less you have to do other things." Climate However, there is a question as to whether Kamloops' hot, arid climate would be the right place for a fly that's native to the humid, maritime environment of Japan. Though the flies aren't being introduced to Kamloops just yet, they were established in the Lower Mainland in 2023, Abram said, where the climate is much more similar to Japan's. However, he said, the fly does seem to like snow cover, which Kamloops certainly does get. Safety concerns But what happens to the flies once the beetles are gone? Most of the research being done around these insects is related to safety, Abram said. The flies need the beetles to procreate, so once the beetles die off, so will the flies. "There's been some really negative consequences from biological control introduction [of other species]," Abram said. "But those were basically back in the day where there was no safety testing done whatsoever." He points to the cane toad, native to South and Central America, which is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, they were introduced to the state in the 1930s to control agricultural pests, but the population soon grew out of control. "Over the last 50 years, biological controls have become a very careful, heavily regulated practice that's informed by lots of careful science," Abram said. "In my lab in Agassiz, that's one of our main focuses is doing that kind of careful safety testing that it takes to make decisions about whether to introduce beneficial species to new areas." He said there are no big safety concerns around the introduction of winsome flies. The CFIA is asking Kamloopsians to report Japanese beetles if they find them, and Jason Crandall with the agency said people should trap and freeze the beetles so inspectors can map their spread.
Japan Forward
07-08-2025
- Japan Forward
Planting the Future: Children Help Revive Coastal Seagrass in Yokosuka
On July 12, a hands-on event was held in Yokosuka City where participants planted Japanese eelgrass ( Zostera japonica ) in the sea. The event aimed to combat the "desertification" of coastal waters and raise awareness of marine conservation among children and their families. Participants first learned about the important role of seagrass and seaweed beds, often called the "cradle of the sea." They then planted eelgrass seedlings themselves. The event marked the first joint initiative by the Miura Peninsula Blue Carbon Meeting, a partnership between five municipalities in the region. Around 100 participants and staff from across the Miura Peninsula gathered at Recycling Plaza Aicle, a coastal processing facility in Yokosuka City. Normally closed to the public, the area is home to a preserved eelgrass habitat. It is one of the few remaining natural coastal areas in Tokyo Bay. "Beds of eelgrass, such as common and Japanese eelgrass, serve as feeding grounds for small fish, shrimp, and crabs. They also provide shelter from predators. They truly are the nursery of the sea," said Dr Toshitame Imai, a fisheries scientist, as he gently addressed the children using educational panels. Children listening attentively to Dr Toshitame Imai's explanation. (©Mika Sugiura) Dr Imai explained that eelgrass and seaweed beds — including species like arame ( Eisenia bicyclis ) and kajime ( Ecklonia cava )— once covered hundreds of hectares in Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay. However, environmental degradation and rising sea temperatures due to global warming have increased the appetite of herbivorous fish such as aigo (rabbitfish). This has led to overgrazing. As a result, over 90% of these beds have disappeared, contributing to a phenomenon known as isoyake, or "rocky-shore denudation." "Seaweed beds not only provide vital habitats for marine life," Dr Imai added, "they also help absorb and store carbon dioxide through photosynthesis." He emphasized their role in combating climate change through what is known as blue carbon. After the presentation, the children carefully wrapped the eelgrass seedlings in water-soluble, eco-friendly paper clay to help anchor them in the seabed. Children wrapping paper clay around the eelgrass seedlings to weigh them down (©Mika Sugiura) "I pretended I was a fish and tried biting the eelgrass," laughed 10-year-old Youya Watanabe, a fourth grader from Hayama Town. "But it was bitter and tough." He often visits the local beach and showed keen interest in the activity. Japanese eelgrass seedlings. (©Mika Sugiura) In May 2024, the cities of Yokosuka, Kamakura, Zushi, and Miura, along with Hayama Town, established the Miura Peninsula Blue Carbon Meeting. Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal ecosystems. These include eelgrass beds, seaweeds like wakame , and phytoplankton, all of which absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. The concept was introduced in 2009 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a promising tool in the fight against climate change. Each municipality had previously addressed coastal degradation on its own. Efforts included controlling species like sea urchins and aigo , which damage seaweed beds. Now, by sharing knowledge and collaborating, the municipalities aim to restore coastal ecosystems more effectively and promote blue carbon initiatives. Children planting Japanese eelgrass using shovels. (©Mika Sugiura) Since 2024, Yokosuka City has organized seagrass planting events for children in cooperation with the local nonprofit Yokosuka Sea Citizens' Council. This most recent event was the first held jointly by all five municipalities. With promotion from each city and town, it attracted a wide range of participants, including many from Hayama. The turnout reflected growing regional cooperation. The children moved to a shallow coastal area behind the Aicle facility. Using shovels, they dug into the seabed and carefully planted the seedlings they had wrapped earlier. Their faces showed deep focus and determination. After planting, the children explored the sea using box goggles. When a net was swept through the seaweed bed, they discovered cuttlefish eggs, prompting cheers of excitement. A smiling girl holds up a crab. (©Mika Sugiura) Some of the Japanese eelgrass planted in 2024 had already taken root. The sight of the plants swaying underwater gave participants a clear sense of the impact of their efforts. The Sea Citizens' Council has been working for three years to restore seagrass and seaweed beds, including Japanese eelgrass. These now cover about 270 square meters. The purple area shows the extent of the restored seagrass and seaweed bed. (Courtesy of the Yokosuka Sea Citizens' Council) "Even though we live on a peninsula surrounded by the sea, some children have never played in it or even touched it," said Masato Kawaguchi, the council's representative. "We hope these kinds of experiences help kids feel a connection to the ocean, see that marine life is returning, and start thinking about environmental issues." Drone footage from the Japanese eelgrass planting event. In October 2020, Japan declared its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The four cities and one town of the Miura Peninsula have made the same pledge. They are now working to accelerate their climate action. A central pillar of this effort is a subsidy program supporting the installation of solar panels and storage batteries. Yokosuka City applied for funding through the environment ministry's Priority Measures Acceleration Project. Together with the other municipalities, they secured ¥1 billion (about $6.8 million USD) in subsidies over five years. The program provides financial assistance to individuals and businesses for installing solar and battery systems. This reduces upfront costs and encourages wider adoption. Applications for the current fiscal year are open until January 15, 2026, with subsidies continuing through 2028. If fully utilized, the initiative is expected to add about 9,000 kW of renewable energy over five years. It could reduce carbon emissions by 110,000 tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the annual emissions of roughly 1,600 households. The environment around us is changing rapidly. Population decline, climate change, and intensifying natural disasters are becoming more urgent issues. While each person's actions may seem small, collective effort and awareness are essential. Cooperation across municipal boundaries is key to solving global challenges. Children learning about marine life collected from the sea. (©Mika Sugiura) "We used to be limited when it came to activities outside our city," said Kawaguchi. "But the ocean is all connected. Being able to work across jurisdictions is a major step forward." Yokosuka Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji, who initiated the regional collaboration, echoed that message: "We're committed to working together to pass down our rich seas and natural environment to future generations." The Miura Peninsula's unified approach could become a model for communities across the country. Landlocked and Coastal Students Unite to Fight Marine Debris Author: Mika Sugiura
