JERDSAK SAENGTHONGCHAROEN
CHON BURI : Fish have died en masse in the sea off Bang Saen beach due to the red tide phenomenon, which is believed to have been started by waste water discharge from nearby communities. Many fish were found dead on the beach yesterday while others, which were still alive, were caught by locals and tourists for food as they surfaced to take in oxygen. ''The phenomenon is not dangerous to people swimming in the sea,'' said Woratep Mutuworawan, director of the marine science centre of Burapha University.
However, Saen Suk Municipality warned people not to catch the fish because some have sharp spines, which can cause injuries.
The red tide, which is also known as algal bloom, turns the sea red. The change in colour is caused by certain types of phytoplankton. It increases in size, depending on nutrients often carried by waste water and sunlight.
''The sunlight has been very strong for the past two or three days. This has rapidly increased its size,'' said Mr Woratep.
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