Mass fish deaths have again struck Vietnam, this time in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa, with initial test results indicating that algal bloom is to blame.

Fishermen and fish farmers in Tinh Hai and Nghi Son Communes, Thanh Hoa, reported that both wild and farm-raised fish had died en masse along the coastline between September 5 and 8 for unknown reasons.

Local residents also said that the sea had appeared red and brown in color.

About 300 kilograms of dead fish were collected and buried for disposal under the supervision of relevant agencies in Tinh Hai.

Meanwhile, 21 households in Nghi Son with over 47 metric tons of fish were affected, resulting in losses totaling nearly VND8 billion (US$358,800), according to the commune’s People’s Committee.

Local farmers were also advised to move their fish cages away from currents of red and brown sea.

The Thanh Hoa administration tasked the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, in coordination with relevant agencies, with the examination of the maritime environment at the site of the incident.

Water samples were then collected from the area where the fish deaths were discovered and near the Nghi Son Oil Refinery, located about 500 meters off the namesake commune.

Results of tests conducted by the Institute of Marine Environment and Resources, based in the northern city of Hai Phong, revealed that the amount of Creratium furca, a type of algae, was high in the collected sea water samples, at about eight million cells per liter.

Given the results, the red tide phenomenon, or algal bloom, was initially held responsible for the mass fish deaths.

The deaths occurred in both communes due to the large volume of organic soil matter washed into the sea by rain.

Examinations of fish and the overall quality of the maritime environment are still being carried out by the Veterinary Bureau under the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

The case has been submitted to the prime minister with the local administration asking for the assistance of experts and scientists for further evaluation and resolutions.

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