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The red tides sighted in the waters of Tolo Harbour to Long Harbour still persist, with Tap Mun and O Pui Tong fish culture zones as newly affected locations, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 29). Reports of fish loss have been received.
"All the red tides 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," a spokesman for the working group said.
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 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:22
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