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A red tide had been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 25).
The occurrence was reported by a member of the public at Sai Kung Hoi on April 22. The red tide dissipated yesterday. No fish kill has been reported.
¡°The red tide was formed by Fibrocapsa japonica, which is rare in Hong Kong waters. Overseas studies showed that the species might contain toxins, but is harmless to 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.
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 25, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:01
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