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Five red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 24).
Two red tides were spotted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department on April 18 and today at Silverstrand Beach, Sai Kung and Turtle Cove Bay, Hong Kong Island respectively. Red flags were hoisted at the beaches immediately. The other three cases were spotted by staff of the Marine Department at Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay, by mariculturist at Sok Kwu Wan fish culture zone and by member of the public at Long Harbour on April 20.
The red tide at Silverstrand Beach, Sai Kung has already dissipated while the others still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.
"All cases were formed by Gonyaulax polygramma, which is non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Ma Nam Wat, Po Toi O, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Sham Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Po Toi fish culture zones 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, April 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:35
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