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Red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 17).
Environmental Protection Department staff sighted a red tide at Shing Mun River on February 12 while a mariculturist spotted a red tide at Yim Tin Tsai Fish Culture Zone on February 14. Both red tides dissipated today.
Another occurrence at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung was reported by Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff on February 15. The red flag was hoisted immediately and the red tide still persists.
No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.
"The red tides at Shing Mun River and Yim Tin Tsai Fish Culture Zone were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is common in Hong Kong waters. The one at Silverstrand Beach was formed by Dictyocha speculum which is less common. Both species are non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Kau Sai, Ma Nam Wat, Po Toi O, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan and Tung Lung Chau 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 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:39
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