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A red tide had been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 30).
The occurrence was reported by a mariculturist at Sha Tau Kok Fish Culture Zone on March 28. The red tide still persists. No associated fish kill has been reported so far.
"The red tide is formed by Alexandrium catenella, which is seldom found in Hong Kong waters. Studies have showed that the species might be able to produce paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Sha Tau Kok, Ap Chau, Sai Lau Kong, Kat O and O Pui Tong 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/Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:01
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