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A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (May 15).
The red tide at Sham Wan, Lamma Island, observed by staff of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on May 13 dissipated yesterday. No associated death of fish was reported.
"The red tide was formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
AFCD has urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan and Sok Kwu 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/Friday, May 15, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:27
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