In cooperation with the Government of India through Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, the IAEA/RCA Regional Training Course on Application of Agreed Nuclear Techniques to Measurement of Nuclear Containments in Marine Systems is to be held from 27 May to 6 June 2008 in Mumbai, India. 

The purpose of the course is to provide specific training in the theoretical background, practical applications and interpretation of state-of-the-art radioanalytical methodologies for measurements and sampling of radionuclides in marine environmental samples, i.e., sediments, waters and biota.

While nuclear power generation has tremendous benefits in meeting the electricity needs of growing populations, and does not contribute to adverse environmental effects associated with the burning of fossil fuels, there are potential risks of planned and unplanned releases of radionuclides into the environment that need to be addressed. As of April 2008, there are 439 nuclear power plants in operation world-wide and 35 nuclear power plants under construction (See below).
Twenty-two out of the last 31 nuclear power plants connected to the world’s energy grids are in Asia. Eighteen of the new nuclear power plants under construction are also in Asia. China and India which are the most populous countries have established 9 new nuclear power plants in the last 4 years with 10 more under construction.

The primary competency for the analysis and measurement of radionuclides generally resides in the national nuclear research institutes, and governments have made significant investments in equipment and human resources to establish such capabilities.
Monitoring programmes to ensure that there are no significant impacts from radionuclides to the marine environment have to be developed or strengthened to meet issues that will emerge with increased use of nuclear power. For these monitoring programmes
to be useful, effective and reliable, nuclear research institutes need to have analytical and management protocols which are: (1) well-designed with built-in checks for quality assurance; (2) appropriate and applicable to the country in particular, while retaining sufficient harmony to address trans-boundary issues throughout the region in general; (3) include tools for timely risk assessment with clear indicators of radiological and related impacts to marine biota or the absence thereof; and (4) sufficiently sensitive and conservative to protect the public from any adverse outcomes associated with seafood consumption and/or recreational and commercial activities.

Nuclear power plants world-wide, in operation and under
construction, as of April 2008