Da Nang launches Seafood Week to reassure no mass fish deaths

Da Nang launches Seafood Week to reassure no mass fish deaths

Da Nang senior officials eat seafood to promote the product consumption in the city. Photo credit: Doan Cuong/Tuoi Tre

The Da Nang Seafood Week began Sunday as local authorities rejected allegations that the mysterious mass fish deaths in several central provinces has spread to the city.

The food fest at the Bien Dong Park will go on until May 7, promoting seafood and also helping local fishermen sell their catch.

Fifteen resorts and restaurants are participating in the event where tourists can choose live seafood to be cooked.

All the seafood at the event is tested for safety by the city Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

According to the city Department of Industry and Trade, people around the country are anxious and afraid to buy seafood following the mass fish deaths on the central coast.

The seafood week aims to promote seafood sales since consumption has dropped significantly at many markets in the city, the agency said.

People fear Da Nang will suffer the same fate as provinces to its north like Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Tri, Quang Binh and Ha Tinh, where hundreds of tons of fish have washed ashore in recent weeks, apparently killed by industrial effluents.

Suspicion has centered on Hung Nghiep Formosa Steel Company, a major company in the Vung Ang Economic Zone in Ha Tinh Province that has admitted to discharging wastewater into the sea albeit treated.

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