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A red tide had been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (June 27).
A member of the public observed a red tide at West Lamma Channel (from Wah Fu, Aberdeen to Cheung Chau) on June 22. It still persists and no fish kill has been reported.
¡§The red tide was formed by Thalassiosira tealata, which had not been sighted in Hong Kong waters before and is non-toxic.¡¨ a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Ma Wan and Cheung Sha Wan 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, June 27, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:01
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