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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 (July 9).
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) staff observed the red tide in the eastern waters of Lantau Island on July 5. It dissipated yesterday (July 8). No associated death of fish was reported in the occurrence.
"The red tide was formed by Thalassiosira tealata which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The AFCD has urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Ma Wan, Cheung Sha Wan and Po Toi to monitor the situation closely.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The 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, July 9, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:42
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