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Red tides sighted
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     Seven red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 8).

     On April 3, two red tides were sighted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung and Junk Bay. Two red tides were observed at Sheung Sze Wan and Wong Mau Chau to Po Pin Chau waters of Sai Kung on April 5. On April 6, a red tide was sighted at Big Wave Bay Beach, Hong Kong Island, and two red tides were observed at Trio Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach, Sai Kung yesterday (April 7).

     The red tide at Sheung Sze Wan has dissipated while the other six red tides still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported.

     A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tides reported at Silverstrand Beach, Sheung Sze Wan, Wong Mau Chau to Po Pin Chau waters, Trio Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach were formed by Noctiluca scintillans. The red tide at Junk Bay was formed by Akashiwo sanguinea and Noctiluca scintillans. The red tide at Big Wave Bay Beach was formed by Akashiwo sanguinea. Akashiwo sanguinea and Noctiluca scintillans are commonly found in Hong Kong waters, which are non-toxic."

     The non-toxic red tides at Tolo Harbour to Long Harbour, Sheung Sze Mun to Ninepin Group, Sai Kung, Lantau Island and the southern waters of Hong Kong reported earlier still persist.

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up monitoring of the fish culture zones in the close vicinity of the red tides. Mariculturists have been reminded 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 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:05

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