Hanoi (VNA) – The recent mass fish death in the central coastal region is likely due to the contamination of biological or chemical toxins at high levels, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on April 25.
The incident was discovered in Ky Anh township, Ha Tinh province on April 6, then spread to Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue.
The ministry asked affected localities to promptly collect the dead fish and banned using dead fish as food or animal feed.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also requested the localities to review and list affected households, and provide them with timely support.
The ministries of Science and Technology, Public Security, National Defence, Industry and Trade, Public Health, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology will liaise with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the MARD to determine the incident’s cause and report to the PM.
The ministries of Planning and Investment, Industry and Trade, Natural Resources and Environment as well as authorities of the affected localities are required to thoroughly check investment projects, particularly those in heavy industry, as well as ensure environmental protection in the sea.-VNA