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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 (February 17).
The occurrence was reported by staff of the Environmental Protection Department at Deep Bay on February 15. The red tide still persists.
"The red tide was formed by Phaeocystis globosa. Red tide formed by this species is less common in Hong Kong waters and it is 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 17, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:45
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