Red tides sighted
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Two of the red tides were spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and Marine Department on July 12 in the East Lamma Channel and West Lamma Channel (including Cheung Sha Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan fish culture zones), and at New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter respectively. The other one was sighted by a member of the public at Silver Mine Bay, Lantau Island today.
The three red tides still persist but no associated death of fish has been reported.
A spokesman for the working group said, "All of the red tides were formed by Cerataulina pelagica, which is non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters."
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Ma Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Po Toi 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, July 14, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:01
Issued at HKT 17:01
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