*****************
Four red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 17).
Three red tides were spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on April 14, 15 and today at Rocky Harbour near Jin Island in Sai Kung, Mirs Bay and Po Toi O Fish Culture Zone respectively. Another one was spotted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Sai Kung today. The red flag was hoisted at the beach immediately.
All of these red tides still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.
"All cases were formed by Gonyaulax polygramma, which is non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters," a spokesman for the working group said.
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Leung Shuen Wan, Tiu Cham Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Ap Chau, Kat O, O Pui Tong, Sai Lau Kong, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Wong Wan, Sham 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, April 17, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:57
NNNN
