Impact of ALPS-treated water discharge from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on flounder price

Abstract In August 2023, Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan was discharged into the ocean after purification to remove all radioactive substances, except tritium. However, fisherfolk raised concerns regarding the sales and prices of fisheries products. Existing studies have not adequately analyzed the impact of the discharge of ALPS-treated water on the prices of Fukushima fishery products. In this study, we analyzed the price of flounder, a major fish species in the coastal fisheries of Fukushima Prefecture. A model was constructed which utilized data from Japanese wholesale markets to evaluate the difference between predicted prices based on data prior to discharge and actual prices. The results showed no clear evidence that the discharge of ALPS-treated water from Fukushima caused a decrease in flounder prices. The results have a positive impact on the fisheries industry in Fukushima and provide important information for future considerations regarding nuclear energy issues.