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A red tide had been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (July 13).
The sightings at Victoria Harbour, East of Lamma Island, South Eastern and Eastern waters of Hong Kong Island were reported by the staff of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Environmental Protection Department between July 10 and July 12. The occurrence at Victoria Harbour has dissipated today while the rest still persist.
"The red tide was formed by Skeletonema costatum, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Po Toi, Cheung Sha Wan, Ma Wan and Tung Lung Chau fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The department's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Friday, July 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:00
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