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A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (October 17).
The red tide, which was spotted by staff of the Environmental Protection Department at a section of the Shing Mun River between the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Banyan Bridge on October 12, dissipated today. No associated death of fish has been reported so far.
"The red tide was formed by Chattonella sp. 0310 and Chattonella marina. The former is non-toxic while overseas studies showed that the latter may produce toxin as reported elsewhere. Both of the above algal species are less common in Hong Kong waters," a spokesman for the working group said.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Friday, October 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:03
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