Fish die-off in Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa traced to purse seine operations: authorities

Nguyen Duy Quang, director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday that an inspection team investigated the incident after reports of widespread dead fish and damaged coral reefs.

The inspection found no evidence of explosive fishing.

Instead, officials and local fishermen concluded that purse seine boats targeting pelagic species such as sardines, scads, and Indian mackerels were the likely cause.

During the net retrieval, large quantities of fish became entangled and spilled, creating patches of dead fish visible on the seabed.

While the inspection team encountered various fishing methods including purse seines, gillnets, and squid traps, they reported no cases of destructive fishing with explosives.

To prevent future damage, the department said it is working with police, border guards, and local authorities to increase inspections and strictly handle illegal fishing activities.

Public education campaigns are also being expanded, with the province reaffirming its commitment to marine protected areas and fishery conservation plans through 2030, with a vision to 2050.