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Three red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 25).
The first red tide at Tung Ping Chau Marine Park was reported by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) staff yesterday. Another occurrence at Tai Wan Tau, Clear Water Bay, was sighted by a member of the public on the same day.
Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) staff also spotted a red tide at Clear Water Bay First Beach today. A red flag has been hoisted at the beach.
All the red tides still persist and no associated death of fish has been reported so far.
"The red tide at Tung Ping Chau Marine Park was formed by Noctiluca scintillans while the ones sighted at Tai Wan Tau and Clear Water Bay First Beach were formed by Akashiwo sanguinea. Both species are common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The AFCD has urged mariculturists at Sha Tau Kok, Kat O, O Pui Tong, Tap Mun, Tung Lung Chau and Po Toi O 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, February 25, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:02
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