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Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (November 21).
The red tides were spotted today by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and a member of the public at Hoi Ha Wan and Sai Kung Hoi respectively.
The red tides still persist and no associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.
"Both red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters," a spokesman for the working group said.
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Wong Wan, Sham Wan, Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Leung Shuen Wan, Tiu Cham Wan and Tai Tau Chau 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, November 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:10
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