Imports of aquatic products from Japan surged 20 percent three months after Japan started discharging treated nuclear wastewater into the ocean as Hongkongers, according to restaurant owners, could not care less now.

The government banned such imports from 10 Japanese prefectures in August, the same day Japan released treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which was crippled by a tsunami in 2011.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said 1,700 batches of seafood were imported from Japan in October, up from 1,417 batches a year ago.

As of November 20, the month has already seen 1,087 batches of seafood imported to the SAR and they are still rising.

Restaurant operator Martin Chan Keung, a board member at Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said his business plunged 40 percent a week late August and early September amid the wastewater discharge plan.

Two of three nearby restaurants shut down and the third had to suspend lunch service and close one day a week to cut costs.

Fortunately, business recovered a month later once the government said Japanese seafood met safety standards, leading Chan to believe customers have regained confidence. His business is at 80 percent of its past custom.

"No one cares about it now," he said.

Chan said the catering sector remained sluggish as many locals go to the mainland.

Recovery of confidence was also reported by wholesalers.

A person in charge of Hoi Fung Aquatic Products, Kwok, said over 70 percent of products he sold were from Japan in the past. Due to the discharge, he switched to imports from Australia and Europe.

He said more than 60 percent of Japanese eateries that used to purchase from him had stopped placing orders with him.

But the situation is improving.

Kwok said he may start importing seafood from Japan if there are more orders from restaurants.

The 10 Japanese prefectures affected by Hong Kong's ban include Tokyo.

None of the 116 food samples taken from aquatic products imported from Japan has been found to have exceeded the safety threshold.

Japanese seafood back in flavor