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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 (December 17).
Staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department observed a red tide at Silverstrand Beach on December 14. A red flag was hoisted immediately. The red tide dissipated yesterday. No associated death of fish was reported during the occurrence.
"The red tide was formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which 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 Nam Wat, Po Toi O, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau and Leung Shuen Wan 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, December 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:01
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