Locals concerned about dead shellfish in Rayong

After the announcement from the Natural Resources and Environment Minister that Ao Phrao in Koh Samet has now officially reopened after the seawater returned to normal after the oil spill several months ago reports are now coming in that locals are expressing concerns over dead shell fish.

Locals have become alarmed about the mass death of shellfish along a five-kilometre stretch of Mae Ramphueng beach in Muang district and are worried toxic chemicals are to blame.

Jaturat Iamworanirund, chairman of the inshore fishing association, said this is the second sighting of dead shellfish since the July 27 oil spill near Koh Samet and he thinks that local authorities should look into the matter. The shellfish included razor clam and blood cockle of various sizes.

Some residents, however, said there was nothing to worry about as the phenomenon is common at the end of the monsoon season. Officials from Rayong’s marine and coastal resources protection centre have collected several shellfish samples for testing.

On July 27, about 50,000 litres of crude oil leaked into the sea when a pipeline owned by PTT Global Chemical Plc broke near Rayong’s Map Ta Phut and spread to Ao Phrao beach on Koh Samet.

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