Vietnam Announces Results of Massive Fish Death, No Link to Formosa Steel Plant

Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment announced on April 27 that they have found no conclusive link between the massive fish death in Vietnam’s central coastal areas and waste water discharge by Taiwan-invested Formosa steel complex. The examination results showed that situation might have been caused by toxic chemicals discharged from human activities in land and at sea as well as red tide, the government said on its website. The causes excluded any factors that may relate to Taiwan-invested Formosa steel complex which located in the central province of Ha Tinh, the ministry said, noting that no proof showing the link between the massive death and Formosa’s waste discharge has been found. Shortly after the announcement, both official and unofficial news portals, forums and social networks have showed public indignation, saying that the investigation results disappointed and disrespected Vietnamese people who doubted the reasons to Formosa’s waste discharge. A petition calling for online signatures was launched on the White House website to ask for the U.S. government’s support in providing independent environmental impact assessment of the steel plant and for President Obama’s voice on the issue with the Vietnamese government in his May 2016 visit.(Baochinhphu.vn April 27, Lao Dong – Labor Apr 28 p1, Tuoi Tre – Youth Apr 28 p2, Thanh Nien – Young People Apr 28 p3, Tin Tuc - News Apr 28 p4, Saigon Giai Phong – Liberated Saigon Apr 28 p7)