Red tides sighted
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The first red tide was spotted by a member of the public yesterday (December 10) at Hoi Ha Wan. The red tide has dissipated. The second red tide was spotted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Silverstrand Beach, Sai Kung, today. The red tide still persists.
No associated death of fish has been reported so far in both red tides.
A spokesman for the working group said, "Both red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic."
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at the Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Sham Wan and Ma Nam Wat 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, December 11, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:30
Issued at HKT 15:30
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