On August 19, the Oceanographic Institute held a meeting to discuss the appearance of sand dollars on Nha Trang beach. Mr. Vo Sy Tuan, the director of the Oceanographic Institute, stated that the current dense presence of sand dollars on Nha Trang beach is an unusual phenomenon.
Collecting sand dollars for disposal
Until now, the Institute has not conducted research on this species and therefore lacks sufficient data to explain the reasons behind their appearance. It can be stated that this species is only visually off-putting and does not pose a significant danger. The only feasible measure is to collect the sand dollars for disposal.
Currently, the Institute has brought samples back for dissection. The movement of this species to Nha Trang beach is related to various factors, but it can be confirmed that they are not here to reproduce as the reproductive organs of the sand dollars are not developed.
According to Master Nguyen An Khang from the Aquatic Resource Department of the Oceanographic Institute, this species of sand dollar has a very thin shell and is one of the four species of heart-shaped sand dollars. Typically, sand dollars live at depths ranging from 1 to 180 meters. The spines of this species are very fine and soft, so when they come into contact with human skin, they only cause discomfort rather than pain, burning, or fever as seen with other species of sand dollars. However, removing the spines is quite difficult. Folk remedies often use urine (which contains ammonia) or lemon juice (which contains acid) applied to dissolve the spines.
It is known that all members of the Nha Trang beach rescue team (managed by the Nha Trang Bay Management Board) are continuing their work to collect sand dollars. Over the past three days, this team has gathered approximately 800 kilograms of sand dollars from Nha Trang beach for disposal.
