The UN's nuclear watchdog says Japan's plan to release treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the ocean is consistent with international safety standards. Experts with the International Atomic Energy Agency have spent more than two years assessing the safety of the plan.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi says the planned release would have a negligible impact on people and the environment -- seawater, fish and sediment.

Grossi says his agency plans to have a continuous on-site presence to monitor the procedure.

Grossi made the remarks after he presented a comprehensive report on the release plan to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

Kishida stressed his commitment to not allow a discharge that has a harmful impact on human health or the environment of both Japan and the world.

Grossi says the report is neither a recommendation nor an endorsement of the government's plan. He says the release of the water is a national decision by the government of Japan. Officials plan to start releasing the water sometime this summer.

The plant suffered a triple meltdown in the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Since then, groundwater and rain have been seeping into the damaged reactor buildings, and mixing with water used to cool molten nuclear fuel.

Workers treat the water to remove most radioactive materials. But tritium remains. More than 1,000 tanks being used for storage at the site are nearing full capacity.

Japan's nuclear regulators approved a plan last year to dilute and discharge the treated water into the ocean. The government says the level of tritium will be lowered to one-seventh of the World Health Organization's standards for drinking water.

But many in the fishing industry are against the release, raising concerns about another hit to Fukushima's reputation and its businesses.

The prefecture's governor is calling for continued effort by the government.

Fukushima Governor Uchibori Masao said, "The central government should continue to work with the IAEA and other international organizations to fulfil its responsibility to deepen understanding both in Japan and abroad.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson says water release may not be the only credible option.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said, "Japan must have a responsible attitude toward all humanity and future generations, and not push for the release of the water into the sea."

The IAEA chief will travel to South Korea on Friday to brief officials there on his agency's findings.