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Muttonbird is a delicacy for Maori but the question has been raised.
Is it still OK to eat the muttonbirds contaminated by
radioactivity in Japan?
Peata Melbourne has the details.
It took a toll on human life and destroyed many homes,
but its disastrous effects didn't end there.
The tsunami also damaged
the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant,
sending a plume of radiation across the North Pacific,
contaminating the marine life.
It's a 40,000km distance from Japan to NZ.
The entire muttonbird population migrates to the North Pacific
during winter and feeds on small fish and squid
which were likely to be exposed to the contamination.
So the question was asked are the chicks safe to handle and eat?
So it's great news for muttonbird hunters,
who are still going through tough times following
the Easy Rider tragedy.
Peata Melbourne, Te Karere.