On 29/5, Bui Dinh Vuong, a resident of Xuan Du commune, continued collecting dead fish from Dong Lay Lake in hamlet 5, Hop Tien commune. The fish are being buried to prevent environmental pollution.

Vuong reported that on the morning of 28/5, he discovered a mass die-off of tilapia floating on the lake surface during a visit to his farm. His family collected approximately 4 tons of dead fish in just one day. "All our capital and efforts were invested here," Vuong stated. "The incident occurred just a few months before harvest."

Vuong's family collects dead fish from Dong Lay Lake for disposal. *Photo: Lam Son*

Vuong's family had contracted Dong Lay Lake from local authorities, investing over 1.8 billion VND in tilapia farming for export. Following the incident, the family notified authorities, who initiated an inspection and collected water samples for testing to determine the cause.

Vuong noted that prior to the fish deaths, Xuan Du commune had experienced widespread deaths of wild fish in its streams. His aquaculture lake is located about 2 km from this area. He suspects that groundwater contamination or illegal pesticide dumping could be the cause.

Nguyen Thi Xuan, Chairwoman of Hop Tien Commune People's Committee, confirmed the abnormal fish deaths and reported the situation to the agriculture sector. Authorities collected water and fish samples to identify the cause. Initial assessments by local officials point to prolonged hot weather, rapid algal growth, and disease as potential factors behind the mass die-off.

Authorities collect water samples from Can Khe stream for analysis. *Photo: Lam Son*

Approximately half a month prior, hamlets 7, 8, and 10 in Xuan Du commune (over 2 km from Hop Tien commune) experienced widespread deaths of wild aquatic species in the stream near Can Khe 1 bridge.

Authorities had previously found a plastic barrel, suspected of containing chemicals, being washed by residents. The wastewater flowed into the drainage system and subsequently into the stream. This incident led to the deaths of wild fish and other aquatic species, with some duck flocks that consumed the dead fish also perishing.

The Thanh Hoa Provincial Police and related agencies are currently investigating the cause.

By Le Hoang