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A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (June 30).
The red tide at Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone reported by a mariculturist on June 23 dissipated on June 28.
"The red tide was formed by Skeletonema costatum. This is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Ma Wan and Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zones 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, June 30, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:46
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