EFFECT CF FALL-CUT ON TUNA
(bate
dake
There is no evidence thet_tuna or any other comsercially ediable
fish in ite natural habitatohas by virtue of the Pacific tests
been rendered unfit for huméen consuzrtion. If we accept Japanese
reports that fish aboard the FUKURYU MARU were grossly contaminated,
this could only have resulted from their becoming contaminated after
being taken aboard; i.e., their contamination was secondary to tha
contamination of the ves-el itself.
ataemedy
Statements have appeared in the Japanese ;recs to the effect that
fish appstring in the Japanese market other than those froma the
FYKURYU MARS have been srossly contanincted. io-ever, we have no
authentic reports from the Japanese governzent to the effect that
tuna except from the FUKURYU MAXU, hai levels of radicxctivity that
would even approach permissible levels of contamination,
Informed scientific opinion, borne out by recent continucus monitor-
ing by the Foderal Food and Drug Administration of tuna fish
s2ing
to the west coast from Pacifie fishing grounds, and further surported
by the results of marine biolocical studies carried out over the past
several years under ANC auspices, provides no basis for concern over
tuna caucht or to be caucht in the Pecific fishing areas,
May 4, 1954
Howard C, Erown, Jr.
Division of Hiclogy and Medicine
DOE ARCHIVES
371