Red tide sighted
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The red tide was spotted by staff of the Marine Department on July 25 at the waters off Ap Lei Chau. The red tide still persists and no associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.
A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide was formed by Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha, which is not common in Hong Kong waters. According to literature overseas, the algal species might produce toxin. However, no such reports have been recorded in Hong Kong so far."
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan and Sok Kwu 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, July 29, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:30
Issued at HKT 14:30
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