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Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 11).
The first occurrence was reported by staff of the Environmental Protection Department at Sai Kung Tai Hang Hau on April 3. The red tide dissipated on April 7.
Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff observed a red tide at Silver Mine Bay Beach yesterday. The red flag was hoisted at the beach. The red tide dissipated today.
¡°The red tide at Tai Hang Hau was formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic. The one at Silver Mine Bay Beach was formed by Fibrocapsa japonica, which had not been sighted in Hong Kong waters before. Overseas studies showed that the species might contain toxins, but is harmless to the human body,¡± a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Tai Tau Chau, Kai Lung Wan, Kau Sai and Ma Nam Wat Fish Culture Zones to monitor the situation closely. No associated death of fish was reported.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. 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 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:31
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