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Red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (September 17).
Staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department observed a red tide at Hap Mun Bay Beach on September 10. More sightings were reported at Clear Water Bay Second Beach on September 15 and at Clear Water Bay First Beach yesterday. Red flags were hoisted immediately. The red tide still persists.
"The red tide was formed by Scrippsiella trochoidea, 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 Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau and Leung Shuen Wan, Po Toi O and Tung Lung Chau 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, September 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:00
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