The Japanese government has again asked local fishers for understanding of the planned release of treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Industry minister Nishimura Yasutoshi attended a meeting of the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations in Iwaki City on Tuesday.

Nishimura said the International Atomic Energy Agency is committed to securing safety of the release. He added that it is important to keep inspecting procedures to ensure safety and prevent reputational damage.

Most of the meeting was held behind closed doors.

Fishers reportedly called on the government to sufficiently explain to consumers the safety of the release.

After the meeting, federation chief Nozaki Tetsu told reporters that he seriously considers the ministry's report a part of the process to move ahead with the release.

Nozaki said he told Nishimura that he opposes the plan, because the government promised not to go ahead with the release without understanding of concerned parties.

He added that as the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company assume responsibility for the release, it must be carried out under very strict management.

Nishimura told reporters that the fishers voiced concerns over possible effects of the release, and that he told them the government will work so that they can keep fishing.

The minister said there is no change in the original plan to start the release in spring or summer this year.

Water used to cool molten nuclear fuel at the plant mixes with rain and groundwater. The accumulated water is treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium.

The government plans to dilute the water to reduce the tritium level to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's standard for drinking water quality.