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Red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 30).
The first red tide was observed by Environmental Protection Department staff at Shing Mun River on March 29. Staff of Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) spotted red tides at Silverstrand Beach and Hoi Ha Wan in Sai Kung respectively. A red flag was hoisted at Silverstrand Beach.
The red tides still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported by mariculturists so far.
"The red tide at Shing Mun River was formed by Dunaliella sp., which seldom blooms in Hong Kong waters. The ones at Silverstrand Beach and Hoi Ha Wan were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is more common. Both species are non-toxic," said a spokesman for the working group.
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Kau Sai, Ma Nam Wat, Po Toi O, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan, Tung Lung Chau, Sha Tau Kok, Ap Chau, Kat O, O Pui Tong, Sai Lau Kong, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan and Sham 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, March 30, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:36
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