Japan’s 18th Release of Fukushima Nuclear Contaminated Water into the Ocean Continues

The 18th release of nuclear contaminated water into the ocean, initiated on March 6, entered a critical phase and continued through March 8–9. Approximately 7,800 tons are scheduled for discharge by March 24. By the end of 2025, cumulative discharges will reach approximately 133,000 tons. An additional eight planned discharges (totaling about 62,400 tons) will commence in April 2026. The irreversible impacts of low-dose radioactive contamination on marine ecosystems and human health continue to expand, exacerbated by the absence of unified international monitoring and regulatory mechanisms.