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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 (December 18).
The red tide was spotted by mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai fish culture zone on December 14 and dissipated the following day. Minor fish loss has been reported.
"The red tide was formed by Karenia mikimotoi. Overseas studies show that the species, which seldom forms red tide in Hong Kong waters, might cause adverse effects to fish but is harmless to the human body," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Lo Fu Wat, Yung Shue Au, Yim Tin Tsai and Yim Tin Tsai East 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, December 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:42
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