Farmers in Kien Giang Province are suffering because thousands of farm-raised fish have been dying due to an unidentified species.
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| Wormlike creature |
It is estimated that over 10,000 fish in four communes have died, causing a loss of VND2 billion (USD95,200).
Hon Tre Commune, in Kien Hai District, has been hardest hit by these yellow, wormlike creatures, which cling to the fish cages and exude a substance that smells bad and prevents oxygen from getting the water. It is also believed to cause blindness in fish.
The real victims, however are the fish farmers. In February, Nguyen Van Thanh, Director of Kien Giang Sub-Department of Aquaculture, said they took samples and sent them to Can Tho University for further research. In the meantime, Thanh said that fish farmers should physically stand guard over their fish.
"In order to find the best solution, we need more research to find out exactly what species of creature this is, because the chemical it produces poses a risk of widespread destruction in the fish farming industry," Thanh said.
Despite the agency's statements, locals say that they have not received any kind of support and do not know what to do.