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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 (October 15).
Environmental Protection Department staff observed the red tide at Wu Kai Sha Pier on October 13. It still persists.
"The red tide was formed by Karenia mikimotoi. Overseas studies showed 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.
Separately, the red tide sighted on October 6 at Tolo Channel has not yet entirely dissipated. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up monitoring of the fish culture zones nearby and reminded the mariculturists again to closely monitor the situation. They may contact the AFCD for assistance when necessary.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The AFCD's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences and issuing early warning to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Friday, October 15, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:15
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