*****************
Three red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (November 17).
The cases, observed at Tuen Mun Tsing Shan Wan, Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone and Tuen Mun Golden Beach, were reported by Water Supplies Department staff, a mariculturist and Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff on November 11, November 12 and November 13 respectively. The red flag was hoisted at Tuen Mun Golden Beach. They have not receded yet.
"The red tides were formed by Cochlodinium sp. This is rare in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Ma Wan and Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zones to monitor the situation closely.
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, November 17, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:50
NNNN