Japan has asked the International Atomic Energy Agency for support with the proposed release into the sea of treated radioactive water accumulating at the Fukushima-Daichi nuclear power station.

Japan wants IAEA experts to help evaluate the methods, handling and facilities ahead of the release, and to provide quality control and environmental monitoring once it begins.

Japan is considering releasing the water used to cool reactors and stored at the Fukushima-Daiichi complex into the sea, but has yet to make a final decision in the face of opposition from the local fishery industry and neighbouring countries.