IAEA Director General Joins China, South Korea, and Switzerland in Seawater Sampling Near Daiichi

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi personally took part in collecting seawater samples near Fukushima Daiichi on June 24, 2026, alongside scientists from China's Third Institute of Oceanography, South Korea's Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, and Switzerland's Spiez Laboratory. The sampling was conducted under the 'Additional Measures' framework agreed between the IAEA and Japan in 2024 to broaden international participation and transparency in independent verification of the ALPS-treated water discharge. Samples were sent for parallel analysis to the IAEA's Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco, Japanese laboratories, and each participating country's laboratory. Grossi said the exercise helps build confidence among Japan's neighbors that the discharge complies with international safety standards.