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A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (August 1).
The red tide, which was spotted by the staff of the Environmental Protection Department in the waters of East Lamma Channel, West Lamma Channel and Victoria Harbour on July 30, still persists. No associated death of fish has been reported so far.
"The red tide was formed by Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima, which is non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Sok Kwu Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Cheung Sha Wan and Ma Wan fish culture zones 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, August 1, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:01
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