Fishing operators in the northeastern prefecture of Fukushima on Friday voiced their concerns over media reports that the government plans to release treated radioactive water from a crippled nuclear power plant.

Their reaction came a day after it was reported by media that an official decision on the discharge of the water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, crippled by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011, may be made by the end of this month.

They said releasing the water used to cool the plant that suffered core meltdowns will harm their almost decade-old struggle to rebuild their industry and reputation among lingering domestic and foreign consumer concerns about the safety of their catches.