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Five red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (May 2).
Three red tides were observed by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung, Pui O Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach on Lantau Island on April 29, May 1 and today respectively. Red flags were hoisted at the beaches immediately.
Staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) spotted a red tide at the fish culture zones in the north-eastern waters including Sha Tau Kok, Ap Chau, O Pui Tong and Tap Mun on April 30. The last one was sighted by a mariculturist at Yung Shue Au fish culture zone today.
The red tides still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.
"The red tide at Silverstrand Beach was formed by Cochlodinium cf. geminatum. The one at the fish culture zones in the north-eastern waters and Yung Shue Au were formed by Gonyaulax polygramma whereas the one at Pui O Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach were formed by Heterosigma akashiwo. All these algal species are commonly found in Hong Kong waters and are non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Cheung Sha Wan, Ma Wan, Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Sha Tau Kok, Ap Chau, Kat O, O Pui Tong, Sai Lau Kong, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Wong Wan, Sham Wan, Kau Sai, Ma Nam Wat, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan, Po Toi O and Tiu Cham Wan 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, May 2, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:11
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