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A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (December 24).
The red tide was spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) at Port Shelter, Sai Kung, today.
The red tide still persists. No associated death of fish has been reported so far.
"The red tide was 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 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/Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:54
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