Red tides sighted
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Two red tides were sighted on January 2 at Long Harbour including at Tap Mun and Sham Wan fish culture zones, and from Deep Bay to Urmston Road. Another one was sighted on January 4 in the southwestern waters of Hong Kong including Ma Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Cheung Sha Wan fish culture zones.
All red tides still persist and no associated death of fish has been reported.
A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide at Long Harbour was formed by Noctiluca scintillans, whereas those in the southwestern waters of Hong Kong and from Deep Bay to Urmston Road were formed by Phaeocystis globosa. Noctiluca scintillans and Phaeocystis globosa are non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters."
The non-toxic red tide at Junk Bay reported earlier still persists.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Shum Wan, Ma Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Cheung Sha Wan fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.
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, January 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:22
Issued at HKT 18:22
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