Dead clams are found mainly in Tam Hòa and Tam Hải communes, Núi Thành District. — Photo tienphong.vn

QUẢNG NAM — Tens of tonnes of clams raised on Trường Giang River in central Quảng Nam Province have died en masse, leaving many local households penniless.

Local farmers said death clams appeared on Trường Giang River in Tam Hòa and Tam Hải communes, Núi Thành District.

Huỳnh Văn Ba, an aquaculture farmer from Tam Hòa Commune, told Tiền Phong (Vanguard) newspaper that he spent VNĐ120 million to buy five tonnes of white clams from Thái Bình Province for breeding on 1ha of Trường Giang River.

He expected to harvest 10 tonnes of clams after two months of raising them if they grow well, earning VNĐ300-400 million.

However, he found the clams died en masse for unknown reasons a few days ago.

“I spent all my money to raise the clams but now they have died. I hope the authorities find out the cause of death soon and check if the water of Trường Giang River is safe or not,” Ba said.

Nguyễn Ngọc Linh, deputy head of Agriculture Division of Núi Thành District said they collected samples for testing and were waiting for the results. — VNS