Several red tides have been sighted over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 15).
 
     On February 11, one red tide was sighted at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach.
 
     On February 13, five red tides were spotted at Cyberport, Rambler Channel, Wong Shek Pier, Hoi Ha Wan and Tuen Mun Pier.
 
     On February 14, another red tide was observed at the Tolo Channel.
 
     The red tides at Cyberport and Wong Shek Pier still persist while the other five red tides have dissipated. No associated death of fish has been reported.
 
     A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide spotted at Cyberport was formed by Gonyaulax polygramma and Noctiluca scintillans. The red tide spotted at Wong Shek Pier was formed by Akashiwo sanguinea. The other five red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans. All species are non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters."
 
     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Ma Wan, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan and Sham 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 to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.

Ends/Friday, February 15, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:08

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