diff --git a/fenicsadapter/fenicsadapter.py b/fenicsadapter/fenicsadapter.py
index e0d12c2d..a2fb2cc7 100644
--- a/fenicsadapter/fenicsadapter.py
+++ b/fenicsadapter/fenicsadapter.py
@@ -704,7 +704,7 @@ def initialize(self, coupling_subdomain, mesh, read_field, write_field,
         self._set_write_field(write_field)
         self._precice_tau = self._interface.initialize()
 
-        if self._interface.mark_action_fulfilled(precice.action_write_initial_data()):
+        if self._interface.is_action_required(precice.action_write_initial_data()):
             self._write_block_data()
             self._interface.mark_action_fulfilled(precice.action_write_initial_data())