Dead Fish and Shells Wash Up on Bang Saen Beach
Large numbers of dead fish and shells have washed up on Bang Saen beach in Chonburi, startling locals and visitors. A veteran fish vendor believes the die-off stems from small fishing boats discarding low-value catch when hauls exceed capacity. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause, but tourism remains unaffected for now unless winds shift the debris toward swimming areas.
Chonburi: Multiple fish species found floating dead off Bang Saen beach with large numbers of shells washed ashore, causing surprise among onlookers.
On November 8, reporters found various dead fish scattered along the shoreline and floating on the sea surface near the Naval Bridge or Laem Tan Circle in Saen Suk subdistrict, Mueang district, Chonburi province. Large quantities of assorted shells were also washed up on the beach, some still floating in the water, covering the area with fish carcasses and shells.
A 60-year-old fish vendor at the Naval Bridge, with fishing experience, said the dead fish likely came from small trawlers that caught more than their boats could carry. When hauls are too large, crews discard lower-value fish to avoid capsizing. Small boats keep only larger or higher-priced fish, unlike larger vessels with greater capacity. The vendor said this is not unusual based on his experience, though the exact cause remains unconfirmed by authorities.
Regarding tourism, the vendor said visitors can still swim normally as most carcasses are near Laem Tan, not the main swimming beaches. However, shifting winds and currents could bring debris and foul odors to tourist areas. Relevant agencies are expected to investigate the fish deaths and sea conditions to reassure the public and tourists visiting Bang Saen beach.
