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The red tides sighted in the waters of Tolo Harbour to Long Harbour still persist, with Kau Lau Wan fish culture zone as a newly affected location, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 22). Reports of associated fish loss have been received.
Another red tide was sighted by a mariculturist at Cheung Sha Wan fish culture zone yesterday (January 21) which still persists. No report of fish loss has been received.
A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tides at Tolo Harbour to Long Harbour were formed mainly by Karenia mikimotoi. A low density of Karenia papilionacea was also observed. Overseas studies show that Karenia mikimotoi, which seldom forms red tide in Hong Kong waters, might cause adverse effects to fish.
"The red tide at Cheung Sha Wan fish culture zone was formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters."
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up monitoring of the fish culture zones throughout Hong Kong. Mariculturists have been reminded to monitor the situation closely and properly dispose of dead fish.
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, January 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:33
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