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A red tide had been sighted in Hong Kong waters in the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 13).
The occurrence was reported by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) at Hoi Ha Wan on January 9. It dissipated on January 11.
"The red tide was formed by Noctiluca scintillans. This is common in Hong Kong waters and the species is non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
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 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:23
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