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A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (May 20).
Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff observed the red tide at Silverstrand Beach on May 14. A red flag was hoisted at the beach until the red tide dissipated today. No associated death of fish has been reported.
"The red tide was formed by Gonyaulax polygramma, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Kau Sai, Ma Nam Wat, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau and Leung Shuen Wan to monitor the situation closely.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. 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, May 20, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:01
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