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Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 18).
The first occurrence at Stanley Main Beach was reported by Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff on January 11. A red flag was hoisted at the beach until January 12 when the red tide dissipated.
A member of the public observed a red tide at Port Shelter (near the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology) on January 12. It dissipated on January 15.
No fish kill has been reported in either occurrence.
"Both red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Kau Sai and Ma Nam Wat Fish Culture Zones to monitor the situation closely.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. 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, January 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:01
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