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Sep 21, 2016 / 16:14

Tests of aquatic products in central coastal region unveiled

The ministries of Natural Resources and Environment, Health and Agriculture and Rural Development organised a conference on September 20 to announce the result of tests for 1,340 samples of aquatic products taken from fishing ports and boats and aquaculture areas affected by the recent environmental incident in the central coastal region.

The Ministry of Health said that tests for over 1,000 samples of aquatic products taken from fishing ports and boats and aquaculture areas in Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue every day showed that aquatic products at breeding areas and those living in the surface water in the localities are safe.
Meanwhile, crab, shrimp, shellfish, skate, octopus and others in the benthic layer within 13.5 nautical miles from the shore are not safe.
The Ministry of Health has intensified campaigns to help people identify safe seafood while directing relevant agencies and sectors, and all-level authorities of the provinces to ensure the use and exploitation of seafood in line with directions of the ministries.

 
Photo for illustration.
Photo for illustration.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also recommended fishermen not catch in areas including Son Duong in Ha Tinh, Nhat Le in Quang Binh and Son Cha in Thua Thien-Hue, and in the benthic layer within 20 nautical miles from the shore in the four localities.
The Ministry of Health will work with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to periodically monitor seafood caught in waters in the affected localities to ensure food safety and protect the health of the people in the coming time.
Monitoring will be carried out in fishing ports and samples for testing will be taken at the time immediately aquatic products are brought ashore from fishing ships.
A large number of dead fish along the coast was first discovered in Ky Anh township, Ha Tinh province on April 6, then spread to Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces.
It is estimated that some 15 tonnes of natural fish and 2 tonnes of farmed fish died in Ha Tinh province. Meanwhile, in Thua Thien-Hue, some 30 tonnes of natural fish died and were washed up on beaches.
In late June, Formosa Ha Tinh accepted responsibility for the mass fish deaths. The pollution damaged about 400 hectares of coral and affected over 260,000 people who earn their living by working at sea.