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Several red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (November 28).
Red tides were sighted by the Marine Police, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Marine Department, Environmental Protection Department, mariculturists and members of the public at a number of locations between the period of November 22 and 28.
Beaches where red tides were spotted include Kiu Tsui Beach, Silverstrand Beach, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Turtle Cove Beach, Stanley Main Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach.
Red tides were also sighted at Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zone, Tuen Mun Pier to Tsuen Wan including Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone, East and West Lamma Channel including Lo Tik Wan Fish Culture Zone and Sok Kwu Wan Fish Culture Zone, Port Island, Pak Mong Pier, Tai O to Fan Lau, on Lantau Island, Peng Chau to Discovery Bay, and Victoria Harbour near Harbour City.
The red tide at Port Island has dissipated while the others still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.
"The red tide at Clear Water Bay Second Beach was formed by Mesodinium rubrum while other red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans. Both red tide species are 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 O Pui Tong, Kat O, Po Toi, Po Toi O, Tung Lung Chau, Ma Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Kai Lung Wan, Kau Sai and Ma Nam Wat 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 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:04
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