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A red tide was sighted in Hong Kong waters yesterday, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (July 20).
The occurrence was reported by the staff of Environmental Protection Department in the waters between South Lantau Island and Cheung Chau. The red tide still persists.
"The red tide was formed by Skeletonema costatum, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Po Toi, Cheung Sha Wan and Ma Wan fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The 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, July 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:21
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