*****************
Four red tide occurrences have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (December 28).
Marine Police (East Division) observed a red tide in the eastern waters of Hong Kong near Big Wave Bay on December 21. It dissipated on December 23.
Staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) observed three red tides at Stanley Main Beach Water Sports Centre, Stanley Main Beach and Deep Water Bay Beach on December 22. Red flags were hoisted immediately. The first two occurrences dissipated the next day while the one at Deep Water Bay Beach dissipated on December 24.
No fish kill has been reported in the four occurrences.
"All four occurrences were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation 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, December 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:00
NNNN
