ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT STATUS AND IMPACTS OF MASSIVE FISH KILLS IN VIETNAM

Abstract

This study was carried out in five provinces of Phu Tho, Hai Duong, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa and Dong Nai to assess the current status and impacts of massive fish kills in the period of 6/2021-6/2022. The study was carried out by collecting secondary data; field survey; questionnaire survey; and data analysis. Results have showed that aquaculture activities have grown substantially in the study area. Massive fish kills are quite common with a total of 39 cases in the period 2016-2021 in the 5 investigated provinces, causing heavily economic losses, environmental pollution and social conflicts between the parties involved. The causes of massive fish kills include: natural causes (natural disasters, climate change, epidemics) and man-made causes (environmental pollution), in which, environmental pollution is the main cause. To overcome the above situation, stakeholders in aquaculture activities should be to proactively implement integrated response solutions at all three stages of before, during and after a massive fishies death incident occurs.