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Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (June 21).
Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff sighted a red tide at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung on June 17 and a red flag was hoisted. The red tide dissipated on June 19.
Another red tide at Yim Tin Tsai East fish culture zone, which still persists, was reported by a mariculturist on June 20.
No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences by mariculturists so far.
"The red tides at Silverstrand Beach and Yim Tin Tsai East were formed by Noctiluca scintillans and Scrippsiella trochoidea respectively. Both species are common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Po Toi O, Kau Sai, Ma Nam Wat, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan, Tiu Cham Wan, Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai East, Yung Shue Au and Lo Fu Wat fish culture zones 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, June 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:01
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