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Red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (October 8).
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) staff observed a red tide at Sha Tau Kok Hoi to Kat O Hoi on October 6 while a mariculturist at Yim Tin Tsai East sighted one at Tolo Channel (Yim Tin Tsai to Tap Mun Fish Culture Zones) on the same day.
The red tides still persist and no associated death of fish has been reported so far.
"The red tides were formed by Karenia mikimotoi. Overseas studies show that the species, which seldom forms red tide in Hong Kong waters, might cause adverse effects to fish but is harmless to the human body," a spokesman for the working group said.
The AFCD has urged mariculturists at Sha Tau Kok, Ap Chau, Kat O, Pui O Tong, Sai Lau Kong, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Sham Wan, Lo Fu Wat, Yeung Shue Au, Yim Tin Tsai and Tim Tin Tsai East 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, October 8, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:02
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