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Two red tides had been sighted in Hong Kong waters in the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (October 21).
The red tide at Port Shelter seen by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on October 19 dissipated the following day.
Another occurrence at Tolo Harbour and Tolo Channel, which still persists, was reported on October 19 by mariculturists at Lo Fu Wat and Yung Shue Au Fish Culture Zones.
"Both red tides were formed by Ceratium furca. Red tide formed by it is common in Hong Kong waters and it is non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The AFCD has urged mariculturists at Lo Fu Wat, Yung Shue Au, Yim Tin Tsai and Yim Tin Tsai (East) Fish Culture Zones to monitor the situation closely.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The AFCD's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Friday, October 21, 2005
Issued at HKT 14:37
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