Authorities are investigating the mass fish deaths on floating farms in a section of the Co Co River in Da Nang’s Ngu Hanh Son District, officials said on Monday.

A farmer collecting died fish in a section of the Co Co River. — VNS Photo Le Lam

Around 60 tonnes of fish were found dead in the area on Monday.

District Deputy Chairman Huynh Cu said the fish were found dead in 65 out of total of 228 cages maintained by 32 floating farms on the Co Co River.

The district and relevant agencies have sent trucks to remove and bury the dead fish, he said.

Tests will be carried out and results released soon, Cu said.

Breeding fish has been as a major breadwinner for 30 households living in the district’s Khue My Ward.

The Co Co River runs through the Hoa Cam Industrial Park in Hòa Vang District before reaching the fish farms in Khue My.

In another incident of mass fish deaths in the city’s 29 March Lake last year, poor levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water and pollutants released from the city’s drainage system were blamed.  The 29 March Lake is biggest in Da Nang.

In different researches and surveys in previous years, experts have warned that almost all lakes in the city are contaminated with toxic metals and other dangerous substances contained in wastewater.

The city has invested 15 billion VND (over US$700,000) in wastewater treatment, but that is still a modest amount compared to what is needed.

(Source: VNS)