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Three red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters in the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 7).
The red tide at Yim Tin Tsai Fish Culture Zone reported by a mariculturist on March 31 dissipated on April 1.
Another two occurrences at Clear Water Bay First Beach were seen on April 1 and April 4 by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Red flags were hoisted at the beach. The red tides dissipated on April 2 and April 5 respectively.
"The red tide at Yim Tin Tsai was formed by Ceratium furca while the two red tides at Clear Water Bay First Beach were formed by Noctiluca scintillans. Red tides formed by these two species are common in Hong Kong waters and they are non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai Fish Culture Zone to monitor the situation closely.
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, April 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:43
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