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A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (September 10).
Staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department observed the red tide at Clear Water Bay First Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach on September 7. Red flags were hoisted at the beaches. The red tide dissipated yesterday. No associated death of fish was reported.
"The red tide was formed by Scrippsiella trochoidea, 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 Po Toi O, Tung Lung Chau, Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau and Leung Shuen Wan 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, September 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:27
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