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Three red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 11).
Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) staff observed red tides at Clear Water Bay Second Beach and Silverstrand Beach on February 7 and 9 respectively. Red flags have been hoisted at the beaches. The red tides still persist.
Another red tide was sighted by a member of the public at Lok Wo Sha in Ma On Shan on February 7. It dissipated today.
No associated death of fish has been reported in the three occurrences so far.
"The red tides at Silverstrand Beach and Lok Wo Sha were formed by Noctiluca scintillans while the one at Clear Water Bay Second Beach was formed by Akashiwo sanguinea. Both species are common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Po Toi O, Tung Lung Chau, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yim Tin Tsai, Lo Fu Wat, Yung Shue Au, Leung Shuen Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Kai Lung Wan, Kau Sai and Ma Nam Wat 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, February 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:00
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