ViewpointThe Fukushima Nuclear Power Station incident and marine pollution

Based on the facts relating to the radioactive wastewater discharged by the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station in Japan, this paper intends to explore the international legal obligations for Japan from three perspectives, namely, the immediate notification, the prevention of transboundary harm and the prevention of dumping. Furthermore, this article defines and compares two types of international legal liabilities, the traditional state responsibility and the responsibility for transboundary harm. Through comparison, the international legal liability of Japan is discussed. After detailed analysis, the conclusion is that Japan should be responsible for the obligation of immediate notification and since Japan unilaterally discharge the wastes without prior specific permits of other contracting countries, it should also be responsible for the violation of prevention of dumping. Since so far, no material injury has emerged and there would appear to be no culpability as regards the prevention of transboundary harm. Finally, this paper stresses the necessity to develop a worldwide agreement concerning the liability for transboundary harm and to establish an institutional framework for the enforcement of a state's obligations, and also the great significance of international cooperation between nations and organisations in relation to marine environmental protection.

► Japan bears the duty of immediate notification, prevention of transboundary harm and prevention of dumping. ► The traditional state responsibility and the responsibility for transboundary harm are discussed. ► Japan should be responsible for the obligation of immediate notification and the violation of prevention of dumping. ► There would appear to be no culpability as regards the prevention of transboundary harm. ► This paper stresses the great significance of international cooperation, to the issue of marine environmental protection.