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A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters in the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 3).
The occurrence was reported by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Silverstrand Beach on February 1. Red flag was hoisted at the beach. The red tide dissipated the following day.
"The red tide was formed by Noctiluca scintillans. This is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (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, February 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:50
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