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Red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past two days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 15).
Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff observed red tides at Upper Cheung Sha Beach and Tong Fuk Beach yesterday. Another sighting was reported today at Silver Mine Bay Beach. Red flags have been hoisted at these beaches.
Separately, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) staff spotted a red tide at Tung Ping Chau Marine Park yesterday while a mariculturist observed a red tide at Sok Kwu Wan Pier today.
All the red tides still persist and no associated death of fish has been reported so far.
"The red tides at Silver Mine Bay Beach and Tung Ping Chau Marine Park were formed by Noctiluca scintillans while the other occurrences 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 Cheung Sha Wan, Sha Tau Kok, Kat O, O Pui Tong, Tap Mun, Sai Lau Kong, Ma Wan, Lo Tik Wan and Sok Kwu Wan 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, April 15, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:50
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