Red tides sighted
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One of the red tides was spotted by staff of the Environmental Protection Department on February 6 at Shing Mun River Channel near Lion Bridge while the other one was sighted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on February 8 at East Lamma Channel and West Lamma Channel.
The red tide at East Lamma Channel and West Lamma Channel has dissipated while the one at Shing Mun River Channel still persists. No associated death of fish has been reported.
A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide at East Lamma Channel and West Lamma Channel was formed by Mesodinium rubrum whereas the one at Shing Mun River Channel was formed by Plagioselmis prolonga. Both species are non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters."
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Cheung Sha Wan, Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Ma Wan fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.
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, February 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:08
Issued at HKT 18:08
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