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Three red tide occurrences have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 29).
Two red tides were reported on January 24. The first occurrence was sighted by a member of the public at Sha Tin Hoi. The red tide dissipated on January 26.
Another red tide was observed by Marine Police at Little Palm Beach, Sai Kung. The red tide still persists.
Staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department spotted a red tide at Clear Water Bay Second Beach on January 27. The red flag was hoisted immediately at the beach. The red tide dissipated and the red flag was lowered this morning.
No associated death of fish was reported in all three occurrences.
"The first two occurrences were formed by Noctiluca scintillans while the red tide at Clear Water Bay Second Beach was formed by Mesodinium rubrum. Both species are 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 Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Lo Fu Wat, Yung Shue Au, Leung Shuen Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Kai Lung Wan, Kau Sai, Ma Nam Wat, Po Toi O and Tung Lung Chau 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, January 29, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:51
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