According to the People’s Committee of Thổ Châu Commune, this phenomenon has appeared for the first time in the waters surrounding the island. A red tide was observed at Mun Beach, located in the southwestern part of Thổ Châu Island, Phú Quốc City, covering an area of approximately 1,000m2.
Shortly after the discovery, locals found several dead fish, mainly small fish, washed ashore. By the morning of June 13, the color of the water had lightened, the affected area had shrunk, and the phenomenon was gradually dissipating.
A corner of Mun Beach showing red tide on June 12. (Photo: Provided by locals).
Mr. Đỗ Văn Dừng, Secretary of Thổ Châu Commune, stated that Mun Beach does not have fishing boats, and few locals visit the area. The local authorities have not recorded any significant damage caused by the red tide.
Red tide (also known as algal bloom) is a phenomenon characterized by an excessive growth of algae, unrelated to tidal movements. Algae in river mouths, seas, or freshwater bodies can accumulate, leading to murky water or color changes, which may be purple, pink, green, or red.
Marine algae washed ashore with dead small fish on June 13. (Photo: Provided by locals).
Depending on the type of algae, red tide can produce natural toxins that reduce oxygen levels, resulting in mass deaths of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Red tide can also pose health risks to humans if they consume contaminated organisms.
Thổ Châu is located over 100 km from the center of Phú Quốc City and approximately 220 km from Rạch Giá, the capital of Kiên Giang Province. This area includes Nhạn Island, which has been designated as the A1 reference point for establishing Vietnam’s territorial sea.
