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Red tides sighted
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     Six red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (May 30).

     Two red tides were observed by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung and Turtle Cove Beach on May 24 and today respectively. Red flags were hoisted at the beaches immediately.

     Two others were spotted by staff of the Marine Department at Po Toi Fish Culture Zone and Deep Water Bay to Middle Island on May 25 and 26 respectively.
     
     In addition, staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) spotted a red tide at Yim Tin Tsai (East) Fish Culture Zone on May 23 while a member of the public sighted another one at Victoria Harbour near the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on May 28.
     
     Except those at Po Toi Fish Culture Zone and Turtle Cove Beach, the red tides have already dissipated. No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.
     
     "The red tide at Yim Tin Tsai East Fish Culture Zone was formed by Scrippsiella trochoidea and Heterosigma akashiwo. Those at Clear Water Bay Second Beach and Turtle Cove Beach were formed by Noctiluca scintillans whereas those at Po Toi Fish Culture Zone, Deep Water Bay to Middle Island and Victoria Harbour near the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal were formed by Thalassiosira pseudonana. 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 Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Po Toi, Sok Kwu Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Po Toi O and Tung Lung Chau 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 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:43

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