🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 126 (from laksa164)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa126.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna","crawl_time":1776172352,"first_indexed_time":1602645584,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"gov,noaa!fisheries,www,\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna s443","src_root_hash":"9603669028047945726","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Fukushima Radiation in U.S. West Coast Tuna | NOAA Fisheries","meta_descriptions":["After an earthquake and tsunami resulted in an accident at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima in March 2011, NOAA Fisheries tracked radiation levels in U.S West Coast tuna in order to better understand migration."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"In March 2011, in association with the \nGreat Tohoku earthquake and resultant tsunami\n, there was an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on the east coast of Japan. This accident released the radionuclides cesium \n134\nCs and \n137\nCs into the ocean next to the plant, exposing marine life to radioactive materials.\nPictured here are model simulations (using dye) on the long-term dispersal of \n137\nCs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days, 367 days, and 1,412 day after. While many of the exposed marine organisms remain around Japan, a number of species are highly migratory and swim across the North Pacific to the West Coast of North America.\nTwo examples of these migratory fish are Pacific bluefin tuna (\nThunnus orientalis\n) and albacore tuna (\nThunnus alalunga\n), and both \n134\nCs and \n137\nCs have been detected in these species caught in the eastern Pacific. For public health, the levels of radiation are very low and far below levels that are considered cause for concern.\nFor scientists the \n134\nCs and \n137\nCs served as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of \n134\nCs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan. This has provided important insight into the dynamics of tuna migration in the Pacific.\nWhat is radiation?\nBy definition, radiation is energy in the form of waves or energized particles. The two types are:\nIonizing radiation\n: has so much energy, it can knock electrons out of atoms and create an ion, or unbalanced atom. This process can change living cells and cause mutations in DNA and damage in tissues, which poses health risks for humans. Examples include x-ray machines, cosmic rays, and nuclear radioactive elements.  \nNon-ionizing radiation\n: does not have enough energy to cause ionization, but can move atoms around. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light. \nWhere does radiation exposure come from?\nRadiation has always been a natural part of our environment, with sources in the soil, water, and air. Human-made sources include mining, power generation, nuclear medicine, military applications, and consumer products. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, the average person in the United States is exposed to an average annual radiation dose of 620 millirem (6.2 millisieverts), which is\nnot considered harmful\n. \nThe term \nbackground radiation\n refers to the radiation that is always present in the environment, mostly from natural sources and a small portion from man-made sources. Use this \nPersonal Annual Radiation Dose Calculator\n from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to see what your personal exposure is.\nWhat is radioactive decay and a half-life?\nRadioactive decay\n is defined as the process by which a radionuclide releases energy (in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays) over time, transforming into a different state until the element is stable again. As they decay, radionuclides may transform into different elements completely. The \nhalf-life\n is the rate at which a radionuclide decays to half its original atoms and is measured as time, ranging from mere seconds, minutes, or millions of years.\nHow do radioactive materials impact humans?\nThe severity of the impact of radiation depends on the exposure, either chronic (continuous exposure over a long period of time) or acute (short-term exposure). Radioactive materials that release energy in the form of ionizing radiation may cause damage to living cells by changing the state of atoms inside genetic material, in turn causing mutations to DNA. However, type of exposure is important (internal vs. external), the dose, the radionuclide's half-life, where it concentrates in your body, and how your body metabolizes it.\nExperts disagree on the exact definition and degree of \"low-dose\" exposure, but the protection standards for the U.S. conservatively assumes that\nany exposure to radiation carries some risk and risk increases with dose\n.\nWhat are cesium isotopes?\n137\nCs and \n134\nCs are radionuclides produced by nuclear fission for use in medical devices and gauges and is also one of the byproducts of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons testing.\n137\nCs and \n134\nCs were already present in the environment before the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster due to nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s, nuclear fuel reprocessing in the 1980s, and the Chernobyl accident in 1986. However, the accident in 2011 supplements these established sources, and the long half-life of \n137\nCs (30.04 years) means it will persist in the environment for quite some time when compared to that of \n134\nCs (2.07 years). \nHow does radiocesium impact fish?\nThe concern for \n137\nCs in the marine environment is due to its intake and diffusion into fat content in biological tissue of fish and the potential for bio-accumulation through the food web.\nMarine fish have been shown to acquire Cs from both the aqueous phase and from diet\n.\n \nOf fifty bluefin tuna sampled off the U.S. West Coast in 2012, the smaller bluefin (recent migrants from Japan) had \n134\nCs (0.7 ± 0.2 Bq\/kg) and elevated \n137\nCs (2.0 ± 0.5 Bq\/kg) in their white muscle tissue, while most larger, older fish had no \n134\nCs and only background levels of \n137\nCs. For scientists, the radionuclides serve as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of \n134\nCs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan.\nMore Information\nRadiation\nGlossary of radioactive terms\nNOAA's Fukushima radioactive aerosol dispersion map\nNationwide Environmental Radiation Monitoring\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration update on Fukushima radiation\nRelevant Literature\nSmith, JN, et al. 2015. Arrival of the Fukushima radioactivity plume in North American continental waters. PNAS, 112: 1310-1315.\nBuesseler, KO. 2015. Fukushima and ocean radioactivity. \nOceanography\n 27(1):92–105.\nNeville, DR, et al. 2014. Trace Levels of Fukushima Disaster Radionuclides in East Pacific Albacore. \nEnviron. Sci. Technol.\n, 48 (9), pp 4739–4743.\nFisher, N., et al. 2013. Evaluation of radiation doses and associated risk from the Fukushima nuclear accident to marine biota and human consumers of seafood. \nPNAS, \n110 (26) 10670-10675.\nFisher, N., et al. 2013. Fukushima radioactivity in tuna: Implications for public health and tracing migrations. Rapp. Comm. int. Mer Médit., 40.\nMadigan DJ, et al. 2013. Radiocesium in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis in 2012 validates new tracer technique. Environ Sci Technol 47(5): 2287-2294.\nBehrens, E., et al.  2012. Model simulations on the long-term dispersal of \n137\nCs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima. Environmental Research Letters, 7\n.\nBuesseler, KO., et al. 2012. Fukushima-derived radionuclides in the ocean and biota off Japan. \nProc. Natl. Acad. Sci.\n,109: 5984-5988.\n Seafood Information\nSpecies Profile: Pacific albacore tuna\nSpecies Profile: Pacific bluefin tuna\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration - Seafood","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#main-content)\n\nUnsupported Browser Detected\n\nInternet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. 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[Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/grant\/saltonstall-kennedy-grant-program)\n    - [Habitat Restoration Grants](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/grant\/coastal-and-marine-habitat-restoration-grants)\n  - - [Habitat](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/consultations\/habitat-consultations)\n    - [Endangered Species](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/consultations\/endangered-species-act-consultations)\n    - [Tribal](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/consultations\/tribal-engagements-and-consultations)\n  - - [Research](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/research)\n    - [Surveys](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/surveys)\n    - [Data](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/data)\n    - [Maps & GIS](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/maps)\n  - - [Published Research](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/peer-reviewed-research)\n    - [Key Reports](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/key-reports)\n    - [Documents](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/documents)\n    - [Publication Databases](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/publication-databases)\n    - [Outreach Materials](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/outreach-materials)\n  - - [Magnuson-Stevens Act](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/magnuson-stevens-act)\n    - [Endangered Species Act](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/endangered-species-act)\n    - [Marine Mammal Protection Act](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/marine-mammal-protection-act)\n    - [Policies](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/policies)\n  - - [For Educators](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/for-educators)\n    - [For Students](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/for-students)\n    - [Educational Materials](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/educational-materials)\n    - [Outreach Materials](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/outreach-materials)\n    - [Teacher at Sea](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/teacher-at-sea-program)\n    - [Events](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/outreach-events)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna)\n  - - [Our Mission](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us)\n    - [Who We Are](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us\/who-we-are)\n    - [Where We Work](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us\/where-we-work)\n    - [Our History](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us\/our-history)\n  - - [News & Announcements](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/news-and-announcements\/news)\n    - [Bulletins](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/news-and-announcements\/bulletins)\n    - [Multimedia](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/news-and-announcements\/multimedia)\n    - [Science Blogs](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/news-and-announcements\/science-blog)\n    - [Events](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/events)\n    - [Video Gallery](https:\/\/videos.fisheries.noaa.gov\/)\n    - [Photo Gallery](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/photo-gallery)\n  - - [Career Paths](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/careers-more\/career-paths)\n    - [Internships](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/careers-more\/internships-and-more)\n    - [Citizen Science and Volunteering](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/careers-more\/citizen-science-and-volunteering)\n  - - [National Program Offices](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-directory\/national-program-offices)\n    - [Regional Offices](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-directory\/regional-offices)\n    - [Science Centers](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-directory\/science-centers)\n  - - [Regional Fishery Management Councils](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/partners)\n    - [American Fisheries Advisory Committee](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/partners\/american-fisheries-advisory-committee)\n    - [Government Agencies](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/partners\/government-agencies)\n    - [Non-Government Organizations](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/partners\/non-government-organizations)\n\n- - [Find A Species](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna)\n    - - [Dolphins & Porpoises](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/dolphins-porpoises \"Dolphins & Porpoises\")\n      - [Fish & Sharks](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/fish-sharks \"Fish & Sharks\")\n      - [Highly Migratory Species](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/highly-migratory-species \"Highly Migratory Species\")\n      - [Invertebrates](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/invertebrates \"Invertebrates\")\n      - [Sea Turtles](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/sea-turtles \"Sea Turtles\")\n      - [Seals & Sea Lions](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/seals-sea-lions \"Seals & Sea Lions\")\n      - [Whales](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/whales \"Whales\")\n      - [All Threatened & Endangered Species](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/species-directory\/threatened-endangered \"All Threatened & Endangered Species\")\n      - [Marine Mammals](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/species-directory\/marine-mammals \"Marine Mammals\")\n      - [Alaska](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/species-directory?oq=&field_species_categories_vocab=All&field_region_vocab=1000001106&items_per_page=25 \"Alaska\")\n      - [New England\/Mid-Atlantic](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/species-directory?oq=&field_species_categories_vocab=All&field_region_vocab=1000001111&items_per_page=25 \"New England\/Mid-Atlantic\")\n      - [Pacific Islands](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/species-directory?oq=&field_species_categories_vocab=All&field_region_vocab=1000001116&items_per_page=25 \"Pacific Islands\")\n      - [Southeast](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/species-directory?oq=&field_species_categories_vocab=All&field_region_vocab=1000001121&items_per_page=25 \"Southeast\")\n      - [West Coast](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/species-directory?oq=&field_species_categories_vocab=All&field_region_vocab=1000001126&items_per_page=25 \"West Coast\")\n      - [Marine Life Viewing Guidelines](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/marine-life-viewing-guidelines \"Marine Life Viewing Guidelines\")\n      - [Marine Life in Distress](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/marine-life-distress \"Marine Life in Distress\")\n      - [Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/report \"Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal\")\n      - [Species in the Spotlight](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/endangered-species-conservation\/species-in-the-spotlight \"Species in the Spotlight\")\n  - [Fishing & Seafood](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna)\n    - - [Bycatch](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/bycatch \"Bycatch\")\n      - [Catch Shares](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/laws-and-policies\/catch-shares \"Catch Shares\")\n      - [Fishery Observers](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/fishery-observers \"Fishery Observers\")\n      - [Illegal, Unregulated, Unreported Fishing](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/international-affairs\/iuu-fishing \"Illegal, Unregulated, Unreported Fishing\")\n      - [Magnuson-Stevens Act](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/magnuson-stevens-act \"Magnuson-Stevens Act\")\n      - [Research Surveys](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/science-data\/research-surveys \"Research Surveys\")\n      - [Population Assessments](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/population-assessments \"Population Assessments\")\n      - [Commercial Fishing](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/resources-fishing\/commercial-fishing \"Commercial Fishing\")\n      - [Recreational Fishing](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/resources-fishing\/recreational-fishing \"Recreational Fishing\")\n      - [Subsistence Fishing](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/resources-fishing\/subsistence-fishing \"Subsistence Fishing\")\n      - [Fishery Management Info](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/rules-and-announcements\/notices-and-rules \"Fishery Management Info\")\n      - [Permits & Forms](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/permits-and-forms\/fishing-seafood \"Permits & Forms\")\n      - [Rules & Regulations by Region](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/rules-and-regulations\/fisheries \"Rules & Regulations by Region\")\n      - [Seafood Profiles](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/sustainable-seafood\/seafood-profiles \"Seafood Profiles\")\n      - [Aquaculture](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/aquaculture \"Aquaculture\")\n      - [Commerce & Trade](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/seafood-commerce-and-trade \"Commerce & Trade\")\n      - [Seafood Inspection](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/seafood-commerce-and-trade\/seafood-inspection \"Seafood Inspection\")\n      - [Atlantic Highly Migratory Species](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/atlantic-highly-migratory-species \"Atlantic Highly Migratory Species \")\n      - [Cooperative Research](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/sustainable-fisheries\/national-cooperative-research-program \"Cooperative Research\")\n      - [Enforcement](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/enforcement \"Enforcement\")\n      - [Financial Services](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/funding-opportunities\/financial-services \"Financial Services\")\n      - [International Affairs](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/international-affairs \"International Affairs\")\n      - [Science & Data](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/science-and-data \"Science & Data\")\n      - [Socioeconomics](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/socioeconomics \"Socioeconomics\")\n  - [Protecting Marine Life](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna)\n    - - [Listing Species Under ESA](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/endangered-species-conservation\/listing-species-under-endangered-species-act \"Listing Species Under ESA\")\n      - [Critical Habitat](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/endangered-species-conservation\/critical-habitat \"Critical Habitat\")\n      - [Consultations](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/consultations\/endangered-species-act-consultations \"Consultations\")\n      - [Species Recovery](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/endangered-species-conservation\/recovery-species-under-endangered-species-act \"Species Recovery\")\n      - [Research Surveys](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/science-data\/research-surveys \"Research Surveys\")\n      - [Species in the Spotlight](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/endangered-species-conservation\/species-in-the-spotlight \"Species in the Spotlight\")\n      - [Endangered Species Act](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/endangered-species-act \"Endangered Species Act\")\n      - [Health & Stranding Response](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/marine-life-distress\/marine-mammal-health-and-stranding-response-program \"Health & Stranding Response\")\n      - [Marine Mammal Protection Act](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/marine-mammal-protection-act \"Marine Mammal Protection Act\")\n      - [Research Surveys](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/science-data\/research-surveys \"Research Surveys\")\n      - [Population Assessments](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/population-assessments\/marine-mammals \"Population Assessments\")\n      - [Take Reduction Plans](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/marine-mammal-protection\/marine-mammal-take-reduction-plans-and-teams \"Take Reduction Plans\")\n      - [Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/report \"Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal\")\n      - [Bycatch](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/bycatch \"Bycatch\")\n      - [Ocean Acoustics\/Noise](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/science-data\/ocean-noise \"Ocean Acoustics\/Noise\")\n      - [Unusual Mortality Events](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/marine-mammal-protection\/marine-mammal-unusual-mortality-events \"Unusual Mortality Events\")\n      - [Vessel Strikes](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/insight\/understanding-vessel-strikes \"Vessel Strikes\")\n      - [Marine Life Viewing Guidelines](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/marine-life-viewing-guidelines \"Marine Life Viewing Guidelines\")\n      - [Enforcement](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/enforcement \"Enforcement\")\n      - [Funding Opportunities](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/funding-opportunities \"Funding Opportunities\")\n      - [International Cooperation](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/international-affairs\/international-cooperation-on-key-issues \"International Cooperation\")\n      - [Permits & Authorizations](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/permits-and-forms\/protected-resources \"Permits & Authorizations\")\n      - [Regulations & Actions](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/rules-and-regulations\/protected-resources \"Regulations & Actions\")\n      - [Science & Data](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/science-and-data \"Science & Data\")\n  - [Environment](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna)\n    - - [U.S. Regional Ecosystems](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/ecosystems\/regional-ecosystems \"U.S. Regional Ecosystems \")\n      - [Management](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/ecosystems\/evolving-management \"Management\")\n      - [Ecosystem Science](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/ecosystems\/ecosystem-science \"Ecosystem Science\")\n      - [Changing Ecosystems and Fisheries Initiative](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/ecosystems\/changing-ecosystems-and-fisheries-initiative \"Changing Ecosystems and Fisheries Initiative\")\n      - [Priority Restoration Investments](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/habitat-conservation\/habitat-restoration-under-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-and-inflation-reduction-act \"Priority Restoration Investments\")\n      - [Habitat Restoration](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/habitat-conservation\/how-we-restore \"Habitat Restoration\")\n      - [Habitat Protection](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/habitat-conservation\/how-we-protect \"Habitat Protection\")\n      - [Types of Habitat](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/habitat-conservation\/types-of-habitat \"Types of Habitat\")\n      - [Habitat by Region](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/habitat-conservation\/habitat-conservation-in-the-regions \"Habitat by Region\")\n      - [Science](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/habitat-conservation\/science \"Science\")\n      - [Consultations](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/consultations\/habitat-consultations \"Consultations\")\n      - [Understanding the Impacts](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/climate-change\/understanding-the-impacts \"Understanding the Impacts\")\n      - [Climate Change Solutions](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/climate-change\/climate-change-solutions \"Climate Change Solutions\")\n      - [Regional Activities](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/climate-change\/regional-activities \"Regional Activities\")\n  - [Regions](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna)\n    - - [Alaska](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/region\/alaska \"Alaska\")\n      - [New England\/ Mid-Atlantic](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/region\/new-england-mid-atlantic \"New England\/ Mid-Atlantic\")\n      - [Pacific Islands](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/region\/pacific-islands \"Pacific Islands\")\n      - [Southeast](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/region\/southeast \"Southeast\")\n      - [West Coast](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/region\/west-coast \"West Coast\")\n      - [Regional Offices](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-directory\/regional-offices \"Regional Offices\")\n      - [Science Centers](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-directory\/science-centers \"Science Centers\")\n  - [Resources & Services](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna)\n    - - [Fisheries Rules & Regs](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/rules-and-regulations\/fisheries \"Fisheries Rules & Regs\")\n      - [Fisheries Management Info](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/rules-and-announcements\/notices-and-rules \"Fisheries Management Info\")\n      - [Protected Resources Regs & Actions](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/rules-and-regulations\/protected-resources \"Protected Resources Regs & Actions\")\n      - [Fishing & Seafood](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/permits-and-forms\/fishing-seafood \"Fishing & Seafood\")\n      - [Protected Resources](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/permits-and-forms\/protected-resources \"Protected Resources\")\n      - [International & Trade](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/fishing-and-seafood-permits?fishing_permits%5B1000008636%5D=1000008636 \"International & Trade\")\n      - [Funding Opportunities](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/funding-opportunities\/funding-opportunities \"Funding Opportunities\")\n      - [Financial Services](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/funding-opportunities\/financial-services \"Financial Services\")\n      - [Prescott Grants](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/grant\/john-h-prescott-marine-mammal-rescue-assistance-grant-program \"Prescott Grants\")\n      - [Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/grant\/saltonstall-kennedy-grant-program \"Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants\")\n      - [Habitat Restoration Grants](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/grant\/coastal-and-marine-habitat-restoration-grants \"Habitat Restoration Grants\")\n      - [Habitat](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/consultations\/habitat-consultations \"Habitat\")\n      - [Endangered Species](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/consultations\/endangered-species-act-consultations \"Endangered Species\")\n      - [Tribal](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/consultations\/tribal-engagements-and-consultations \"Tribal\")\n      - [Research](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/research \"Research\")\n      - [Surveys](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/surveys \"Surveys\")\n      - [Data](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/data \"Data\")\n      - [Maps & GIS](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/maps \"Maps & GIS\")\n      - [Published Research](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/peer-reviewed-research \"Published Research\")\n      - [Key Reports](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/key-reports \"Key Reports\")\n      - [Documents](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/documents \"Documents\")\n      - [Publication Databases](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/publication-databases \"Publication Databases\")\n      - [Outreach Materials](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/outreach-materials \"Outreach Materials\")\n      - [Magnuson-Stevens Act](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/magnuson-stevens-act \"Magnuson-Stevens Act\")\n      - [Endangered Species Act](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/endangered-species-act \"Endangered Species Act\")\n      - [Marine Mammal Protection Act](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/marine-mammal-protection-act \"Marine Mammal Protection Act\")\n      - [Policies](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\/policies \"Policies\")\n      - [For Educators](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/for-educators \"For Educators\")\n      - [For Students](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/for-students \"For Students\")\n      - [Educational Materials](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/educational-materials \"Educational Materials\")\n      - [Outreach Materials](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/outreach-materials \"Outreach Materials\")\n      - [Teacher at Sea](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/teacher-at-sea-program \"Teacher at Sea\")\n      - [Events](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/outreach-events \"Events\")\n  - [About Us](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna)\n    - - [Our Mission](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us \"Our Mission\")\n      - [Who We Are](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us\/who-we-are \"Who We Are\")\n      - [Where We Work](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us\/where-we-work \"Where We Work\")\n      - [Our History](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us\/our-history \"Our History\")\n      - [News & Announcements](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/news-and-announcements\/news \"News & Announcements\")\n      - [Bulletins](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/news-and-announcements\/bulletins \"Bulletins\")\n      - [Multimedia](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/news-and-announcements\/multimedia \"Multimedia\")\n      - [Science Blogs](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/news-and-announcements\/science-blog \"Science Blogs\")\n      - [Events](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/events \"Events\")\n      - [Video Gallery](https:\/\/videos.fisheries.noaa.gov\/ \"Video Gallery\")\n      - [Photo Gallery](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/photo-gallery \"Photo Gallery\")\n      - [Career Paths](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/careers-more\/career-paths \"Career Paths\")\n      - [Internships](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/careers-more\/internships-and-more \"Internships\")\n      - [Citizen Science and Volunteering](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/careers-more\/citizen-science-and-volunteering \"Citizen Science and Volunteering\")\n      - [National Program Offices](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-directory\/national-program-offices \"National Program Offices\")\n      - [Regional Offices](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-directory\/regional-offices \"Regional Offices\")\n      - [Science Centers](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-directory\/science-centers \"Science Centers\")\n      - [Regional Fishery Management Councils](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/partners \"Regional Fishery Management Councils\")\n      - [American Fisheries Advisory Committee](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/partners\/american-fisheries-advisory-committee \"American Fisheries Advisory Committee\")\n      - [Government Agencies](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/partners\/government-agencies \"Government Agencies\")\n      - [Non-Government Organizations](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/partners\/non-government-organizations \"Non-Government Organizations\")\n\n[Science & Data](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/science-and-data)\n\n# Fukushima Radiation in U.S. West Coast Tuna\nAfter an earthquake and tsunami resulted in an accident at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima in March 2011, NOAA Fisheries tracked radiation levels in U.S West Coast tuna in order to better understand migration.\n\nWest Coast\n\n## On This Page\n- [What is radiation?](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#what-is-radiation)\n- [Where does radiation exposure come from?](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#where-does-radiation-exposure-come-from)\n- [What is radioactive decay and a half-life?](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#what-is-radioactive-decay-and-a-half-life)\n- [How do radioactive materials impact humans?](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#how-do-radioactive-materials-impact-humans)\n- [What are cesium isotopes?](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#what-are-cesium-isotopes)\n- [How does radiocesium impact fish?](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#how-does-radiocesium-impact-fish)\n- [More Information](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#more-information)\n\nIn March 2011, in association with the [Great Tohoku earthquake and resultant tsunami](http:\/\/www.ngdc.noaa.gov\/hazard\/11mar2011.html), there was an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on the east coast of Japan. This accident released the radionuclides cesium 134Cs and 137Cs into the ocean next to the plant, exposing marine life to radioactive materials.\n\n![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days after.](https:\/\/media.fisheries.noaa.gov\/dam-migration\/geomar43days.png)\n\nPictured here are model simulations (using dye) on the long-term dispersal of 137Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days, 367 days, and 1,412 day after. While many of the exposed marine organisms remain around Japan, a number of species are highly migratory and swim across the North Pacific to the West Coast of North America.\n\n![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 367 days after.](https:\/\/media.fisheries.noaa.gov\/dam-migration\/geomar367days.png)\n\nTwo examples of these migratory fish are Pacific bluefin tuna (*Thunnus orientalis*) and albacore tuna (*Thunnus alalunga*), and both 134Cs and 137Cs have been detected in these species caught in the eastern Pacific. For public health, the levels of radiation are very low and far below levels that are considered cause for concern.\n\n![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 1412 days after.](https:\/\/media.fisheries.noaa.gov\/dam-migration\/geomar1412days.png)\n\n[In a study of fifty bluefin tuna sampled off the U.S. West Coast in 2012](https:\/\/swfsc.noaa.gov\/uploadedFiles\/Divisions\/FRD\/Large_Pelagics\/Tuna\/Radiocesium%20in%20PBFT.pdf), the smaller bluefin (recent migrants from Japan) had 134Cs (0.7 ± 0.2 Becquerels (Bq)\/kg) and elevated 137Cs (2.0 ± 0.5 Bq\/kg) in their white muscle tissue, while [most larger, older fish had no 134Cs and only background levels of 137Cs](https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/abs\/10.1021\/es4002423).\n\nFor scientists the 134Cs and 137Cs served as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan. This has provided important insight into the dynamics of tuna migration in the Pacific.\n\n## What is radiation?\nBy definition, radiation is energy in the form of waves or energized particles. The two types are:\n\n- *Ionizing radiation*: has so much energy, it can knock electrons out of atoms and create an ion, or unbalanced atom. This process can change living cells and cause mutations in DNA and damage in tissues, which poses health risks for humans. Examples include x-ray machines, cosmic rays, and nuclear radioactive elements.\n- *Non-ionizing radiation*: does not have enough energy to cause ionization, but can move atoms around. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light.\n## Where does radiation exposure come from?\nRadiation has always been a natural part of our environment, with sources in the soil, water, and air. Human-made sources include mining, power generation, nuclear medicine, military applications, and consumer products. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, the average person in the United States is exposed to an average annual radiation dose of 620 millirem (6.2 millisieverts), which is [not considered harmful](https:\/\/world-nuclear.org\/information-library\/safety-and-security\/radiation-and-health\/radiation-and-health-effects).\n\nThe term *background radiation* refers to the radiation that is always present in the environment, mostly from natural sources and a small portion from man-made sources. Use this [Personal Annual Radiation Dose Calculator](http:\/\/www.nrc.gov\/about-nrc\/radiation\/around-us\/calculator.html) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to see what your personal exposure is.\n\n## What is radioactive decay and a half-life?\n*Radioactive decay* is defined as the process by which a radionuclide releases energy (in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays) over time, transforming into a different state until the element is stable again. As they decay, radionuclides may transform into different elements completely. The *half-life* is the rate at which a radionuclide decays to half its original atoms and is measured as time, ranging from mere seconds, minutes, or millions of years.\n\n## How do radioactive materials impact humans?\nThe severity of the impact of radiation depends on the exposure, either chronic (continuous exposure over a long period of time) or acute (short-term exposure). Radioactive materials that release energy in the form of ionizing radiation may cause damage to living cells by changing the state of atoms inside genetic material, in turn causing mutations to DNA. However, type of exposure is important (internal vs. external), the dose, the radionuclide's half-life, where it concentrates in your body, and how your body metabolizes it.\n\nExperts disagree on the exact definition and degree of \"low-dose\" exposure, but the protection standards for the U.S. conservatively assumes that [any exposure to radiation carries some risk and risk increases with dose](https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/radiation\/radiation-sources-and-doses#self).\n\n## What are cesium isotopes?\n137Cs and 134Cs are radionuclides produced by nuclear fission for use in medical devices and gauges and is also one of the byproducts of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons testing.\n\n137Cs and 134Cs were already present in the environment before the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster due to nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s, nuclear fuel reprocessing in the 1980s, and the Chernobyl accident in 1986. However, the accident in 2011 supplements these established sources, and the long half-life of 137Cs (30.04 years) means it will persist in the environment for quite some time when compared to that of 134Cs (2.07 years).\n\n## How does radiocesium impact fish?\nThe concern for 137Cs in the marine environment is due to its intake and diffusion into fat content in biological tissue of fish and the potential for bio-accumulation through the food web. [Marine fish have been shown to acquire Cs from both the aqueous phase and from diet](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0048969709005592).\n\nOf fifty bluefin tuna sampled off the U.S. West Coast in 2012, the smaller bluefin (recent migrants from Japan) had 134Cs (0.7 ± 0.2 Bq\/kg) and elevated 137Cs (2.0 ± 0.5 Bq\/kg) in their white muscle tissue, while most larger, older fish had no 134Cs and only background levels of 137Cs. For scientists, the radionuclides serve as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan.\n\n## More Information\n### Radiation\n- [Glossary of radioactive terms](http:\/\/www.nrc.gov\/reading-rm\/basic-ref\/glossary.html)\n- [NOAA's Fukushima radioactive aerosol dispersion map](http:\/\/sos.noaa.gov\/Datasets\/dataset.php?id=332)\n- [Nationwide Environmental Radiation Monitoring](https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/radnet)\n- [U.S. Food and Drug Administration update on Fukushima radiation](http:\/\/www.fda.gov\/NewsEvents\/PublicHealthFocus\/ucm247403.htm)\n### Relevant Literature\n- [Smith, JN, et al. 2015. Arrival of the Fukushima radioactivity plume in North American continental waters. PNAS, 112: 1310-1315.](https:\/\/www.pnas.org\/doi\/10.1073\/pnas.1412814112)\n- [Buesseler, KO. 2015. Fukushima and ocean radioactivity. *Oceanography* 27(1):92–105.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5670\/oceanog.2014.02)\n- [Neville, DR, et al. 2014. Trace Levels of Fukushima Disaster Radionuclides in East Pacific Albacore. *Environ. Sci. Technol.*, 48 (9), pp 4739–4743.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/es500129b)\n- [Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Evaluation of radiation doses and associated risk from the Fukushima nuclear accident to marine biota and human consumers of seafood. *PNAS,* 110 (26) 10670-10675.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.1221834110)\n- [Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Fukushima radioactivity in tuna: Implications for public health and tracing migrations. Rapp. Comm. int. Mer Médit., 40.](http:\/\/ciesm.org\/online\/archives\/abstracts\/pdf\/40\/PG_0241.pdf)\n- [Madigan DJ, et al. 2013. Radiocesium in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis in 2012 validates new tracer technique. Environ Sci Technol 47(5): 2287-2294.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/es4002423)\n- [Behrens, E., et al. 2012. Model simulations on the long-term dispersal of 137Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima. Environmental Research Letters, 7](http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/7\/3\/034004).\n- [Buesseler, KO., et al. 2012. Fukushima-derived radionuclides in the ocean and biota off Japan. *Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.*,109: 5984-5988.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.1120794109)\n### Seafood Information\n- [Species Profile: Pacific albacore tuna](https:\/\/www.fishwatch.gov\/profiles\/pacific-albacore-tuna)\n- [Species Profile: Pacific bluefin tuna](https:\/\/www.fishwatch.gov\/profiles\/pacific-bluefin-tuna)\n- [U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Seafood](http:\/\/www.fda.gov\/Food\/PopularTopics\/ucm341987.htm)\n\nLast updated by [Southwest Fisheries Science Center](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about\/southwest-fisheries-science-center) on 04\/29\/2025\n\n[![Scroll to Top Icon](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/themes\/custom\/noaa_components\/images\/Scroll-To-Top_Icon@2x.png)](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/west-coast\/science-data\/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna)\n\n![Sign Up Mail Button](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/themes\/custom\/noaa_components\/images\/icon_mail-grey.png)\n\n[Sign up for our newsletters](https:\/\/public.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/USNOAAFISHERIES\/subscriber\/new)\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NOAAFisheries)\n\n[Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/noaafisheries)\n\n[Youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/usnoaafisheriesgov)\n\n[X (Twitter)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/NOAAFisheries)\n\n[Linkedin](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/noaa-fisheries)\n\n[Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/Fisheries.noaa.gov)\n\n- [NOAA Fisheries](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us \"NOAA Fisheries\")\n  - [About Us](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about-us \"About Us\")\n  - [Laws & Policies](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies \"Laws & Policies\")\n  - [FishWatch](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/sustainable-seafood \"FishWatch\")\n  - [Site Index](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/site-index \"Site Index\")\n- [For Fishermen](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/resources-fishing \"For Fishermen\")\n  - [Rules & Regulations](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/rules-and-regulations \"Rules & Regulations\")\n  - [Permits & Forms](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/permits-and-forms \"Permits & Forms\")\n  - [Commercial Fishing](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/resources-fishing\/commercial-fishing \"Commercial Fishing\")\n  - [Recreational Fishing](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/resources-fishing\/recreational-fishing \"Recreational Fishing\")\n  - [Fishery Observers](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/fishery-observers \"Fishery Observers\")\n- [For Researchers](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/research \"For Researchers\")\n  - [Published Research](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/resources\/peer-reviewed-research \"Published Research\")\n  - [Science & Data](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/science-and-data \"Science & Data\")\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-us \"Contact Us\")\n  - [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-us \"Contact Us\")\n  - [Media Inquiries](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/contact-directory\/media-directory \"Media Inquiries\")\n  - [Report a Violation](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/enforcement\/report-violation \"Report a Violation\")\n  - [Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/report \"Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal\")\n  - [NOAA Staff Directory](https:\/\/nsd.rdc.noaa.gov\/ \"NOAA Staff Directory\")\n\n[Send Feedback](https:\/\/eex-survey.fr011.ttecfed.com\/se\/5C342AAB1F117226)\n\n[![NOAA Logo](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/themes\/custom\/noaa_components\/images\/noaa-logo-rgb-white-2022.png)](https:\/\/www.noaa.gov\/)\n\nScience. Service. Stewardship.\n\n[Accessibility](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/about-us\/accessibility-statement \"Accessibility\")\n\n\\|\n\n[EEO](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/about\/office-equal-employment-opportunity \"EEO\")\n\n\\|\n\n[FOIA](https:\/\/www.noaa.gov\/foia \"FOIA\")\n\n\\|\n\n[Information Quality](https:\/\/www.noaa.gov\/information-quality \"Information Quality\")\n\n\\|\n\n[Policies & Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/website-policies-and-disclaimers \"Policies & Disclaimer\")\n\n\\|\n\n[Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/privacy-policy \"Privacy Policy\")\n\n\\|\n\n[USA.gov](https:\/\/www.usa.gov\/ \"USA.gov\")\n\n[Department of Commerce](https:\/\/www.commerce.gov\/%20 \"Department of Commerce\")\n\n\\|\n\n[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https:\/\/www.noaa.gov\/%20%20 \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\")\n\n\\|\n\n[NOAA Fisheries](https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/ \"NOAA Fisheries\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"In March 2011, in association with the [Great Tohoku earthquake and resultant tsunami](http:\/\/www.ngdc.noaa.gov\/hazard\/11mar2011.html), there was an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on the east coast of Japan. This accident released the radionuclides cesium 134Cs and 137Cs into the ocean next to the plant, exposing marine life to radioactive materials.\n\n![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days after.](https:\/\/media.fisheries.noaa.gov\/dam-migration\/geomar43days.png)\n\nPictured here are model simulations (using dye) on the long-term dispersal of 137Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days, 367 days, and 1,412 day after. While many of the exposed marine organisms remain around Japan, a number of species are highly migratory and swim across the North Pacific to the West Coast of North America.\n\n![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 367 days after.](https:\/\/media.fisheries.noaa.gov\/dam-migration\/geomar367days.png)\n\nTwo examples of these migratory fish are Pacific bluefin tuna (*Thunnus orientalis*) and albacore tuna (*Thunnus alalunga*), and both 134Cs and 137Cs have been detected in these species caught in the eastern Pacific. For public health, the levels of radiation are very low and far below levels that are considered cause for concern.\n\n![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 1412 days after.](https:\/\/media.fisheries.noaa.gov\/dam-migration\/geomar1412days.png)\n\nFor scientists the 134Cs and 137Cs served as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan. This has provided important insight into the dynamics of tuna migration in the Pacific.\n\n## What is radiation?\nBy definition, radiation is energy in the form of waves or energized particles. The two types are:\n\n- *Ionizing radiation*: has so much energy, it can knock electrons out of atoms and create an ion, or unbalanced atom. This process can change living cells and cause mutations in DNA and damage in tissues, which poses health risks for humans. Examples include x-ray machines, cosmic rays, and nuclear radioactive elements.\n- *Non-ionizing radiation*: does not have enough energy to cause ionization, but can move atoms around. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light.\n## Where does radiation exposure come from?\nRadiation has always been a natural part of our environment, with sources in the soil, water, and air. Human-made sources include mining, power generation, nuclear medicine, military applications, and consumer products. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, the average person in the United States is exposed to an average annual radiation dose of 620 millirem (6.2 millisieverts), which is [not considered harmful](https:\/\/world-nuclear.org\/information-library\/safety-and-security\/radiation-and-health\/radiation-and-health-effects).\n\nThe term *background radiation* refers to the radiation that is always present in the environment, mostly from natural sources and a small portion from man-made sources. Use this [Personal Annual Radiation Dose Calculator](http:\/\/www.nrc.gov\/about-nrc\/radiation\/around-us\/calculator.html) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to see what your personal exposure is.\n\n## What is radioactive decay and a half-life?\n*Radioactive decay* is defined as the process by which a radionuclide releases energy (in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays) over time, transforming into a different state until the element is stable again. As they decay, radionuclides may transform into different elements completely. The *half-life* is the rate at which a radionuclide decays to half its original atoms and is measured as time, ranging from mere seconds, minutes, or millions of years.\n\n## How do radioactive materials impact humans?\nThe severity of the impact of radiation depends on the exposure, either chronic (continuous exposure over a long period of time) or acute (short-term exposure). Radioactive materials that release energy in the form of ionizing radiation may cause damage to living cells by changing the state of atoms inside genetic material, in turn causing mutations to DNA. However, type of exposure is important (internal vs. external), the dose, the radionuclide's half-life, where it concentrates in your body, and how your body metabolizes it.\n\nExperts disagree on the exact definition and degree of \"low-dose\" exposure, but the protection standards for the U.S. conservatively assumes that [any exposure to radiation carries some risk and risk increases with dose](https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/radiation\/radiation-sources-and-doses#self).\n\n## What are cesium isotopes?\n137Cs and 134Cs are radionuclides produced by nuclear fission for use in medical devices and gauges and is also one of the byproducts of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons testing.\n\n137Cs and 134Cs were already present in the environment before the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster due to nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s, nuclear fuel reprocessing in the 1980s, and the Chernobyl accident in 1986. However, the accident in 2011 supplements these established sources, and the long half-life of 137Cs (30.04 years) means it will persist in the environment for quite some time when compared to that of 134Cs (2.07 years).\n\n## How does radiocesium impact fish?\nThe concern for 137Cs in the marine environment is due to its intake and diffusion into fat content in biological tissue of fish and the potential for bio-accumulation through the food web. [Marine fish have been shown to acquire Cs from both the aqueous phase and from diet](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0048969709005592).\n\nOf fifty bluefin tuna sampled off the U.S. West Coast in 2012, the smaller bluefin (recent migrants from Japan) had 134Cs (0.7 ± 0.2 Bq\/kg) and elevated 137Cs (2.0 ± 0.5 Bq\/kg) in their white muscle tissue, while most larger, older fish had no 134Cs and only background levels of 137Cs. For scientists, the radionuclides serve as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan.\n\n## More Information\n### Radiation\n- [Glossary of radioactive terms](http:\/\/www.nrc.gov\/reading-rm\/basic-ref\/glossary.html)\n- [NOAA's Fukushima radioactive aerosol dispersion map](http:\/\/sos.noaa.gov\/Datasets\/dataset.php?id=332)\n- [Nationwide Environmental Radiation Monitoring](https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/radnet)\n- [U.S. Food and Drug Administration update on Fukushima radiation](http:\/\/www.fda.gov\/NewsEvents\/PublicHealthFocus\/ucm247403.htm)\n### Relevant Literature\n- [Smith, JN, et al. 2015. Arrival of the Fukushima radioactivity plume in North American continental waters. PNAS, 112: 1310-1315.](https:\/\/www.pnas.org\/doi\/10.1073\/pnas.1412814112)\n- [Buesseler, KO. 2015. Fukushima and ocean radioactivity. *Oceanography* 27(1):92–105.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5670\/oceanog.2014.02)\n- [Neville, DR, et al. 2014. Trace Levels of Fukushima Disaster Radionuclides in East Pacific Albacore. *Environ. Sci. Technol.*, 48 (9), pp 4739–4743.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/es500129b)\n- [Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Evaluation of radiation doses and associated risk from the Fukushima nuclear accident to marine biota and human consumers of seafood. *PNAS,* 110 (26) 10670-10675.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.1221834110)\n- [Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Fukushima radioactivity in tuna: Implications for public health and tracing migrations. Rapp. Comm. int. Mer Médit., 40.](http:\/\/ciesm.org\/online\/archives\/abstracts\/pdf\/40\/PG_0241.pdf)\n- [Madigan DJ, et al. 2013. Radiocesium in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis in 2012 validates new tracer technique. Environ Sci Technol 47(5): 2287-2294.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/es4002423)\n- [Behrens, E., et al. 2012. Model simulations on the long-term dispersal of 137Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima. Environmental Research Letters, 7](http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/7\/3\/034004).\n- [Buesseler, KO., et al. 2012. Fukushima-derived radionuclides in the ocean and biota off Japan. *Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.*,109: 5984-5988.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.1120794109)\n### Seafood Information\n- [Species Profile: Pacific albacore tuna](https:\/\/www.fishwatch.gov\/profiles\/pacific-albacore-tuna)\n- [Species Profile: Pacific bluefin tuna](https:\/\/www.fishwatch.gov\/profiles\/pacific-bluefin-tuna)\n- [U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Seafood](http:\/\/www.fda.gov\/Food\/PopularTopics\/ucm341987.htm)","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna
Last Crawled	2026-04-14 13:12:32 (2 hours ago)
First Indexed	2020-10-14 03:19:44 (5 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Fukushima Radiation in U.S. West Coast Tuna \| NOAA Fisheries
Meta Description	After an earthquake and tsunami resulted in an accident at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima in March 2011, NOAA Fisheries tracked radiation levels in U.S West Coast tuna in order to better understand migration.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	In March 2011, in association with the Great Tohoku earthquake and resultant tsunami , there was an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on the east coast of Japan. This accident released the radionuclides cesium 134 Cs and 137 Cs into the ocean next to the plant, exposing marine life to radioactive materials. Pictured here are model simulations (using dye) on the long-term dispersal of 137 Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days, 367 days, and 1,412 day after. While many of the exposed marine organisms remain around Japan, a number of species are highly migratory and swim across the North Pacific to the West Coast of North America. Two examples of these migratory fish are Pacific bluefin tuna ( Thunnus orientalis ) and albacore tuna ( Thunnus alalunga ), and both 134 Cs and 137 Cs have been detected in these species caught in the eastern Pacific. For public health, the levels of radiation are very low and far below levels that are considered cause for concern. For scientists the 134 Cs and 137 Cs served as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134 Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan. This has provided important insight into the dynamics of tuna migration in the Pacific. What is radiation? By definition, radiation is energy in the form of waves or energized particles. The two types are: Ionizing radiation : has so much energy, it can knock electrons out of atoms and create an ion, or unbalanced atom. This process can change living cells and cause mutations in DNA and damage in tissues, which poses health risks for humans. Examples include x-ray machines, cosmic rays, and nuclear radioactive elements. Non-ionizing radiation : does not have enough energy to cause ionization, but can move atoms around. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light. Where does radiation exposure come from? Radiation has always been a natural part of our environment, with sources in the soil, water, and air. Human-made sources include mining, power generation, nuclear medicine, military applications, and consumer products. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, the average person in the United States is exposed to an average annual radiation dose of 620 millirem (6.2 millisieverts), which is not considered harmful . The term background radiation refers to the radiation that is always present in the environment, mostly from natural sources and a small portion from man-made sources. Use this Personal Annual Radiation Dose Calculator from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to see what your personal exposure is. What is radioactive decay and a half-life? Radioactive decay is defined as the process by which a radionuclide releases energy (in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays) over time, transforming into a different state until the element is stable again. As they decay, radionuclides may transform into different elements completely. The half-life is the rate at which a radionuclide decays to half its original atoms and is measured as time, ranging from mere seconds, minutes, or millions of years. How do radioactive materials impact humans? The severity of the impact of radiation depends on the exposure, either chronic (continuous exposure over a long period of time) or acute (short-term exposure). Radioactive materials that release energy in the form of ionizing radiation may cause damage to living cells by changing the state of atoms inside genetic material, in turn causing mutations to DNA. However, type of exposure is important (internal vs. external), the dose, the radionuclide's half-life, where it concentrates in your body, and how your body metabolizes it. Experts disagree on the exact definition and degree of "low-dose" exposure, but the protection standards for the U.S. conservatively assumes that any exposure to radiation carries some risk and risk increases with dose . What are cesium isotopes? 137 Cs and 134 Cs are radionuclides produced by nuclear fission for use in medical devices and gauges and is also one of the byproducts of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons testing. 137 Cs and 134 Cs were already present in the environment before the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster due to nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s, nuclear fuel reprocessing in the 1980s, and the Chernobyl accident in 1986. However, the accident in 2011 supplements these established sources, and the long half-life of 137 Cs (30.04 years) means it will persist in the environment for quite some time when compared to that of 134 Cs (2.07 years). How does radiocesium impact fish? The concern for 137 Cs in the marine environment is due to its intake and diffusion into fat content in biological tissue of fish and the potential for bio-accumulation through the food web. Marine fish have been shown to acquire Cs from both the aqueous phase and from diet . Of fifty bluefin tuna sampled off the U.S. West Coast in 2012, the smaller bluefin (recent migrants from Japan) had 134 Cs (0.7 ± 0.2 Bq/kg) and elevated 137 Cs (2.0 ± 0.5 Bq/kg) in their white muscle tissue, while most larger, older fish had no 134 Cs and only background levels of 137 Cs. For scientists, the radionuclides serve as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134 Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan. More Information Radiation Glossary of radioactive terms NOAA's Fukushima radioactive aerosol dispersion map Nationwide Environmental Radiation Monitoring U.S. Food and Drug Administration update on Fukushima radiation Relevant Literature Smith, JN, et al. 2015. Arrival of the Fukushima radioactivity plume in North American continental waters. PNAS, 112: 1310-1315. Buesseler, KO. 2015. Fukushima and ocean radioactivity. Oceanography 27(1):92–105. Neville, DR, et al. 2014. Trace Levels of Fukushima Disaster Radionuclides in East Pacific Albacore. Environ. Sci. Technol. , 48 (9), pp 4739–4743. Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Evaluation of radiation doses and associated risk from the Fukushima nuclear accident to marine biota and human consumers of seafood. PNAS, 110 (26) 10670-10675. Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Fukushima radioactivity in tuna: Implications for public health and tracing migrations. Rapp. Comm. int. Mer Médit., 40. Madigan DJ, et al. 2013. Radiocesium in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis in 2012 validates new tracer technique. Environ Sci Technol 47(5): 2287-2294. Behrens, E., et al. 2012. Model simulations on the long-term dispersal of 137 Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima. Environmental Research Letters, 7 . Buesseler, KO., et al. 2012. Fukushima-derived radionuclides in the ocean and biota off Japan. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. ,109: 5984-5988. Seafood Information Species Profile: Pacific albacore tuna Species Profile: Pacific bluefin tuna U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Seafood
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[Policies](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/laws-policies/policies "Policies") - [For Educators](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resources/for-educators "For Educators") - [For Students](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resources/for-students "For Students") - [Educational Materials](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resources/educational-materials "Educational Materials") - [Outreach Materials](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resources/outreach-materials "Outreach Materials") - [Teacher at Sea](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/teacher-at-sea-program "Teacher at Sea") - [Events](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resources/outreach-events "Events") - [About Us](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna) - - [Our Mission](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about-us "Our Mission") - [Who We Are](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about-us/who-we-are "Who We Are") - [Where We Work](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about-us/where-we-work "Where We Work") - [Our History](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about-us/our-history "Our History") - [News & Announcements](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/news-and-announcements/news "News & Announcements") - [Bulletins](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/news-and-announcements/bulletins "Bulletins") - [Multimedia](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/news-and-announcements/multimedia "Multimedia") - [Science Blogs](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/news-and-announcements/science-blog "Science Blogs") - [Events](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/events "Events") - [Video Gallery](https://videos.fisheries.noaa.gov/ "Video Gallery") - [Photo Gallery](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/photo-gallery "Photo Gallery") - [Career Paths](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/careers-more/career-paths "Career Paths") - [Internships](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/careers-more/internships-and-more "Internships") - [Citizen Science and Volunteering](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/careers-more/citizen-science-and-volunteering "Citizen Science and Volunteering") - [National Program Offices](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact-directory/national-program-offices "National Program Offices") - [Regional Offices](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact-directory/regional-offices "Regional Offices") - [Science Centers](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact-directory/science-centers "Science Centers") - [Regional Fishery Management Councils](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/partners "Regional Fishery Management Councils") - [American Fisheries Advisory Committee](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/partners/american-fisheries-advisory-committee "American Fisheries Advisory Committee") - [Government Agencies](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/partners/government-agencies "Government Agencies") - [Non-Government Organizations](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/partners/non-government-organizations "Non-Government Organizations") [Science & Data](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/science-and-data) # Fukushima Radiation in U.S. West Coast Tuna After an earthquake and tsunami resulted in an accident at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima in March 2011, NOAA Fisheries tracked radiation levels in U.S West Coast tuna in order to better understand migration. West Coast ## On This Page - [What is radiation?](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#what-is-radiation) - [Where does radiation exposure come from?](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#where-does-radiation-exposure-come-from) - [What is radioactive decay and a half-life?](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#what-is-radioactive-decay-and-a-half-life) - [How do radioactive materials impact humans?](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#how-do-radioactive-materials-impact-humans) - [What are cesium isotopes?](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#what-are-cesium-isotopes) - [How does radiocesium impact fish?](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#how-does-radiocesium-impact-fish) - [More Information](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna#more-information) In March 2011, in association with the [Great Tohoku earthquake and resultant tsunami](http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/11mar2011.html), there was an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on the east coast of Japan. This accident released the radionuclides cesium 134Cs and 137Cs into the ocean next to the plant, exposing marine life to radioactive materials. ![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days after.](https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/geomar43days.png) Pictured here are model simulations (using dye) on the long-term dispersal of 137Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days, 367 days, and 1,412 day after. While many of the exposed marine organisms remain around Japan, a number of species are highly migratory and swim across the North Pacific to the West Coast of North America. ![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 367 days after.](https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/geomar367days.png) Two examples of these migratory fish are Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) and albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), and both 134Cs and 137Cs have been detected in these species caught in the eastern Pacific. For public health, the levels of radiation are very low and far below levels that are considered cause for concern. ![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 1412 days after.](https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/geomar1412days.png) [In a study of fifty bluefin tuna sampled off the U.S. West Coast in 2012](https://swfsc.noaa.gov/uploadedFiles/Divisions/FRD/Large_Pelagics/Tuna/Radiocesium%20in%20PBFT.pdf), the smaller bluefin (recent migrants from Japan) had 134Cs (0.7 ± 0.2 Becquerels (Bq)/kg) and elevated 137Cs (2.0 ± 0.5 Bq/kg) in their white muscle tissue, while [most larger, older fish had no 134Cs and only background levels of 137Cs](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es4002423). For scientists the 134Cs and 137Cs served as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan. This has provided important insight into the dynamics of tuna migration in the Pacific. ## What is radiation? By definition, radiation is energy in the form of waves or energized particles. The two types are: - Ionizing radiation: has so much energy, it can knock electrons out of atoms and create an ion, or unbalanced atom. This process can change living cells and cause mutations in DNA and damage in tissues, which poses health risks for humans. Examples include x-ray machines, cosmic rays, and nuclear radioactive elements. - Non-ionizing radiation: does not have enough energy to cause ionization, but can move atoms around. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light. ## Where does radiation exposure come from? Radiation has always been a natural part of our environment, with sources in the soil, water, and air. Human-made sources include mining, power generation, nuclear medicine, military applications, and consumer products. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, the average person in the United States is exposed to an average annual radiation dose of 620 millirem (6.2 millisieverts), which is [not considered harmful](https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/radiation-and-health/radiation-and-health-effects). The term background radiation refers to the radiation that is always present in the environment, mostly from natural sources and a small portion from man-made sources. Use this [Personal Annual Radiation Dose Calculator](http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/calculator.html) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to see what your personal exposure is. ## What is radioactive decay and a half-life? Radioactive decay is defined as the process by which a radionuclide releases energy (in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays) over time, transforming into a different state until the element is stable again. As they decay, radionuclides may transform into different elements completely. The half-life is the rate at which a radionuclide decays to half its original atoms and is measured as time, ranging from mere seconds, minutes, or millions of years. ## How do radioactive materials impact humans? The severity of the impact of radiation depends on the exposure, either chronic (continuous exposure over a long period of time) or acute (short-term exposure). Radioactive materials that release energy in the form of ionizing radiation may cause damage to living cells by changing the state of atoms inside genetic material, in turn causing mutations to DNA. However, type of exposure is important (internal vs. external), the dose, the radionuclide's half-life, where it concentrates in your body, and how your body metabolizes it. Experts disagree on the exact definition and degree of "low-dose" exposure, but the protection standards for the U.S. conservatively assumes that [any exposure to radiation carries some risk and risk increases with dose](https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses#self). ## What are cesium isotopes? 137Cs and 134Cs are radionuclides produced by nuclear fission for use in medical devices and gauges and is also one of the byproducts of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons testing. 137Cs and 134Cs were already present in the environment before the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster due to nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s, nuclear fuel reprocessing in the 1980s, and the Chernobyl accident in 1986. However, the accident in 2011 supplements these established sources, and the long half-life of 137Cs (30.04 years) means it will persist in the environment for quite some time when compared to that of 134Cs (2.07 years). ## How does radiocesium impact fish? The concern for 137Cs in the marine environment is due to its intake and diffusion into fat content in biological tissue of fish and the potential for bio-accumulation through the food web. [Marine fish have been shown to acquire Cs from both the aqueous phase and from diet](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969709005592). Of fifty bluefin tuna sampled off the U.S. West Coast in 2012, the smaller bluefin (recent migrants from Japan) had 134Cs (0.7 ± 0.2 Bq/kg) and elevated 137Cs (2.0 ± 0.5 Bq/kg) in their white muscle tissue, while most larger, older fish had no 134Cs and only background levels of 137Cs. For scientists, the radionuclides serve as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan. ## More Information ### Radiation - [Glossary of radioactive terms](http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/glossary.html) - [NOAA's Fukushima radioactive aerosol dispersion map](http://sos.noaa.gov/Datasets/dataset.php?id=332) - [Nationwide Environmental Radiation Monitoring](https://www.epa.gov/radnet) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration update on Fukushima radiation](http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm247403.htm) ### Relevant Literature - [Smith, JN, et al. 2015. Arrival of the Fukushima radioactivity plume in North American continental waters. PNAS, 112: 1310-1315.](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1412814112) - [Buesseler, KO. 2015. Fukushima and ocean radioactivity. Oceanography 27(1):92–105.](https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2014.02) - [Neville, DR, et al. 2014. Trace Levels of Fukushima Disaster Radionuclides in East Pacific Albacore. Environ. Sci. Technol., 48 (9), pp 4739–4743.](https://doi.org/10.1021/es500129b) - [Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Evaluation of radiation doses and associated risk from the Fukushima nuclear accident to marine biota and human consumers of seafood. PNAS, 110 (26) 10670-10675.](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1221834110) - [Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Fukushima radioactivity in tuna: Implications for public health and tracing migrations. Rapp. Comm. int. Mer Médit., 40.](http://ciesm.org/online/archives/abstracts/pdf/40/PG_0241.pdf) - [Madigan DJ, et al. 2013. Radiocesium in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis in 2012 validates new tracer technique. Environ Sci Technol 47(5): 2287-2294.](https://doi.org/10.1021/es4002423) - [Behrens, E., et al. 2012. Model simulations on the long-term dispersal of 137Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima. Environmental Research Letters, 7](http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/7/3/034004). - [Buesseler, KO., et al. 2012. Fukushima-derived radionuclides in the ocean and biota off Japan. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.,109: 5984-5988.](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1120794109) ### Seafood Information - [Species Profile: Pacific albacore tuna](https://www.fishwatch.gov/profiles/pacific-albacore-tuna) - [Species Profile: Pacific bluefin tuna](https://www.fishwatch.gov/profiles/pacific-bluefin-tuna) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Seafood](http://www.fda.gov/Food/PopularTopics/ucm341987.htm) Last updated by [Southwest Fisheries Science Center](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/southwest-fisheries-science-center) on 04/29/2025 [![Scroll to Top Icon](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/themes/custom/noaa_components/images/Scroll-To-Top_Icon@2x.png)](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna) ![Sign Up Mail Button](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/themes/custom/noaa_components/images/icon_mail-grey.png) [Sign up for our newsletters](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNOAAFISHERIES/subscriber/new) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NOAAFisheries) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/noaafisheries) [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/user/usnoaafisheriesgov) [X (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/NOAAFisheries) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/noaa-fisheries) [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/Fisheries.noaa.gov) - [NOAA Fisheries](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about-us "NOAA Fisheries") - [About Us](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about-us "About Us") - [Laws & Policies](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/laws-policies "Laws & Policies") - [FishWatch](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/sustainable-seafood "FishWatch") - [Site Index](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/site-index "Site Index") - [For Fishermen](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/resources-fishing "For Fishermen") - [Rules & Regulations](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/rules-and-regulations "Rules & Regulations") - [Permits & Forms](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permits-and-forms "Permits & Forms") - [Commercial Fishing](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/resources-fishing/commercial-fishing "Commercial Fishing") - [Recreational Fishing](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/resources-fishing/recreational-fishing "Recreational Fishing") - [Fishery Observers](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/fishery-observers "Fishery Observers") - [For Researchers](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resources/research "For Researchers") - [Published Research](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resources/peer-reviewed-research "Published Research") - [Science & Data](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/science-and-data "Science & Data") - [Contact Us](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Contact Us](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact-us "Contact Us") - [Media Inquiries](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact-directory/media-directory "Media Inquiries") - [Report a Violation](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/enforcement/report-violation "Report a Violation") - [Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report "Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal") - [NOAA Staff Directory](https://nsd.rdc.noaa.gov/ "NOAA Staff Directory") [Send Feedback](https://eex-survey.fr011.ttecfed.com/se/5C342AAB1F117226) [![NOAA Logo](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/themes/custom/noaa_components/images/noaa-logo-rgb-white-2022.png)](https://www.noaa.gov/) Science. 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Readable Markdown	In March 2011, in association with the [Great Tohoku earthquake and resultant tsunami](http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/11mar2011.html), there was an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on the east coast of Japan. This accident released the radionuclides cesium 134Cs and 137Cs into the ocean next to the plant, exposing marine life to radioactive materials. ![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days after.](https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/geomar43days.png) Pictured here are model simulations (using dye) on the long-term dispersal of 137Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 43 days, 367 days, and 1,412 day after. While many of the exposed marine organisms remain around Japan, a number of species are highly migratory and swim across the North Pacific to the West Coast of North America. ![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 367 days after.](https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/geomar367days.png) Two examples of these migratory fish are Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) and albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), and both 134Cs and 137Cs have been detected in these species caught in the eastern Pacific. For public health, the levels of radiation are very low and far below levels that are considered cause for concern. ![A model simulation (using dye) of the long-term dispersal of Cs-137 released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima following the Daiichi nuclear accident, 1412 days after.](https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/geomar1412days.png) For scientists the 134Cs and 137Cs served as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan. This has provided important insight into the dynamics of tuna migration in the Pacific. ## What is radiation? By definition, radiation is energy in the form of waves or energized particles. The two types are: - Ionizing radiation: has so much energy, it can knock electrons out of atoms and create an ion, or unbalanced atom. This process can change living cells and cause mutations in DNA and damage in tissues, which poses health risks for humans. Examples include x-ray machines, cosmic rays, and nuclear radioactive elements. - Non-ionizing radiation: does not have enough energy to cause ionization, but can move atoms around. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light. ## Where does radiation exposure come from? Radiation has always been a natural part of our environment, with sources in the soil, water, and air. Human-made sources include mining, power generation, nuclear medicine, military applications, and consumer products. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, the average person in the United States is exposed to an average annual radiation dose of 620 millirem (6.2 millisieverts), which is [not considered harmful](https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/radiation-and-health/radiation-and-health-effects). The term background radiation refers to the radiation that is always present in the environment, mostly from natural sources and a small portion from man-made sources. Use this [Personal Annual Radiation Dose Calculator](http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/calculator.html) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to see what your personal exposure is. ## What is radioactive decay and a half-life? Radioactive decay is defined as the process by which a radionuclide releases energy (in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays) over time, transforming into a different state until the element is stable again. As they decay, radionuclides may transform into different elements completely. The half-life is the rate at which a radionuclide decays to half its original atoms and is measured as time, ranging from mere seconds, minutes, or millions of years. ## How do radioactive materials impact humans? The severity of the impact of radiation depends on the exposure, either chronic (continuous exposure over a long period of time) or acute (short-term exposure). Radioactive materials that release energy in the form of ionizing radiation may cause damage to living cells by changing the state of atoms inside genetic material, in turn causing mutations to DNA. However, type of exposure is important (internal vs. external), the dose, the radionuclide's half-life, where it concentrates in your body, and how your body metabolizes it. Experts disagree on the exact definition and degree of "low-dose" exposure, but the protection standards for the U.S. conservatively assumes that [any exposure to radiation carries some risk and risk increases with dose](https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses#self). ## What are cesium isotopes? 137Cs and 134Cs are radionuclides produced by nuclear fission for use in medical devices and gauges and is also one of the byproducts of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons testing. 137Cs and 134Cs were already present in the environment before the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster due to nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s, nuclear fuel reprocessing in the 1980s, and the Chernobyl accident in 1986. However, the accident in 2011 supplements these established sources, and the long half-life of 137Cs (30.04 years) means it will persist in the environment for quite some time when compared to that of 134Cs (2.07 years). ## How does radiocesium impact fish? The concern for 137Cs in the marine environment is due to its intake and diffusion into fat content in biological tissue of fish and the potential for bio-accumulation through the food web. [Marine fish have been shown to acquire Cs from both the aqueous phase and from diet](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969709005592). Of fifty bluefin tuna sampled off the U.S. West Coast in 2012, the smaller bluefin (recent migrants from Japan) had 134Cs (0.7 ± 0.2 Bq/kg) and elevated 137Cs (2.0 ± 0.5 Bq/kg) in their white muscle tissue, while most larger, older fish had no 134Cs and only background levels of 137Cs. For scientists, the radionuclides serve as a marker indicating migratory pathways. If, for example, a Pacific bluefin tuna had detectable levels of 134Cs (which decays relatively quickly), it indicated that they recently migrated from Japan. ## More Information ### Radiation - [Glossary of radioactive terms](http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/glossary.html) - [NOAA's Fukushima radioactive aerosol dispersion map](http://sos.noaa.gov/Datasets/dataset.php?id=332) - [Nationwide Environmental Radiation Monitoring](https://www.epa.gov/radnet) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration update on Fukushima radiation](http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm247403.htm) ### Relevant Literature - [Smith, JN, et al. 2015. Arrival of the Fukushima radioactivity plume in North American continental waters. PNAS, 112: 1310-1315.](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1412814112) - [Buesseler, KO. 2015. Fukushima and ocean radioactivity. Oceanography 27(1):92–105.](https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2014.02) - [Neville, DR, et al. 2014. Trace Levels of Fukushima Disaster Radionuclides in East Pacific Albacore. Environ. Sci. Technol., 48 (9), pp 4739–4743.](https://doi.org/10.1021/es500129b) - [Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Evaluation of radiation doses and associated risk from the Fukushima nuclear accident to marine biota and human consumers of seafood. PNAS, 110 (26) 10670-10675.](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1221834110) - [Fisher, N., et al. 2013. Fukushima radioactivity in tuna: Implications for public health and tracing migrations. Rapp. Comm. int. Mer Médit., 40.](http://ciesm.org/online/archives/abstracts/pdf/40/PG_0241.pdf) - [Madigan DJ, et al. 2013. Radiocesium in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis in 2012 validates new tracer technique. Environ Sci Technol 47(5): 2287-2294.](https://doi.org/10.1021/es4002423) - [Behrens, E., et al. 2012. Model simulations on the long-term dispersal of 137Cs released into the Pacific Ocean off Fukushima. Environmental Research Letters, 7](http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/7/3/034004). - [Buesseler, KO., et al. 2012. Fukushima-derived radionuclides in the ocean and biota off Japan. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.,109: 5984-5988.](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1120794109) ### Seafood Information - [Species Profile: Pacific albacore tuna](https://www.fishwatch.gov/profiles/pacific-albacore-tuna) - [Species Profile: Pacific bluefin tuna](https://www.fishwatch.gov/profiles/pacific-bluefin-tuna) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Seafood](http://www.fda.gov/Food/PopularTopics/ucm341987.htm)
Shard	126 (laksa)
Root Hash	9603669028047945726
Unparsed URL	gov,noaa!fisheries,www,/west-coast/science-data/fukushima-radiation-us-west-coast-tuna s443