Mass fish deaths leave a foul smell along Vietnam’s Tra Khuc River

Dead fish have gathered in stagnant pools along Vietnam’s Tra Khuc River, turning parts of Quang Ngai province into a foul-smelling stretch of exposed riverbed and trapped water.

The fish are concentrated between Tra Khuc 2 Bridge and the downstream Tra Khuc weir, in the Trương Quang Trọng ward area. Fish of several species, including tilapia, carp, catfish, snakehead and goby, have died in different sizes. Tilapia account for most of the deaths, with many as large as an adult’s hand. Snails and shrimp have also died.

Some pools contain very little water. Fish still alive repeatedly rise to the surface, apparently short of oxygen, while small dead fish cover parts of the water. Residents have been catching fish from the remaining pools and taking them home.

A local resident identified as L. said the deaths began about three days earlier, after the downstream weir released water. He estimated that hundreds of kilograms of fish may have died. Hot weather has intensified the smell as long-dead fish decompose and attract flies and maggots.

A local government leader said the deaths were confined to pools and low-lying areas that became isolated when water levels changed after the weir released water. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment sent specialists to inspect the site. The deaths came only days after authorities released 180 kilograms of fish fingerlings into the Tra Khuc River to replenish aquatic resources and support ecosystem recovery.

“

The fish deaths are extensive, and combined with the hot weather, the smell is extremely unpleasant. Residents hope the authorities will soon take measures to prevent environmental impacts.