Quang Binh aids farmers over fish deaths   Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) Quang Binh - Authorities in the central province of Quang Binh have sent out 500 tonnes of rice to support fishermen whose livelihoods have been affected by recent mass fish deaths in the region.  600 million VND (27,000 USD) has been channeled to aid farmers residing in Bo Trach district’s Duc Trach commune.  The coastal locality is home to 1,800 households relying heavily on fishing. The fish deaths have stopped their boats from leaving ports.  On April 28, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Huu Hoai visited Duc Trach.  He heard locals’ concerns and advised them not to sell dead fish or feed them to animals.  Hoai said authorities will help residents overcome the incident.  A significant number of dead fish were first discovered in Ky Anh township, Ha Tinh province on April 6, then in Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue.  On April 24, a dead whale was found on a beach in Thua Thien-Hue province.  According to Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan, based on reports from ministries, localities and scientists, the phenomenon may have been caused by toxic chemicals discharged by humans on land and at sea, and by a red tide, a type of harmful algae bloom.-VNA