LookAtVietnam – Experts from the Environment Protection Department on August 20, said that the proliferation of red seaweed off the Binh Thuan coast,

Red seaweed. (Photo: Internet)

Red seaweed began proliferating a week ago off the coast of Phan Thiet city, killing fish and causing skin irritation to swimmers, Tien said.

Tien said the “red tide” was atypical at this time of year, adding that seaweed typically built up in June and usually lasted two to three days.

Huynh Giac, director of Binh Thuan Province’s Environment and Natural Resources Department, said proliferation of Phaeocystis globosa reduces oxygen levels in the water, killing marine organisms.

He added that seaweed blooms usually occurred when there was pollution and water temperatures were higher than normal.

Many tourists cancelled visits to Phan Thiet city over the last week because of the seaweed, said Le Hai Duong, from Binh Thuan Travel Agency.

Bui Hong Long, head of Nha Trang Oceanography Institute, said toxic discharges into the sea had to be controlled to curb proliferation of red seaweed.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News