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A red tide was sighted in Hong Kong waters yesterday, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 20).
Mariculturists observed a red tide at Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone yesterday. It still persists and no fish kill has been reported.
"The red tide was formed by Mesodinium rubrum, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Ma Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Lo Tik Wan Fish Culture Zones to monitor the situation closely.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. AFCD's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Thursday, March 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:01
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