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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 (March 31).
The occurrence was reported by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Silverstrand Beach on March 26. Red flag was hoisted at the beach. The red tide dissipated on March 29.
"The red tide was formed by Noctiluca scintillans and Dictyocha speculum. Red tide formed by Noctiluca scintillans is common in Hong Kong waters while by Dictyocha speculum is less common. Both species are 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, March 31, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:13
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