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Three red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 3).
The first occurrence was reported by a member of the public at Leung Shuen Wan Hoi (from Pak Lap to Wang Chau) on March 27. The red tide dissipated on March 31.
Leisure & Cultural Services Department staff observed a red tide at Hap Mun Bay Beach on March 30 and another one at Silverstrand Beach on April 2. Red flags have been hoisted at the beaches. The red tide at Hap Mun Bay Beach dissipated the following day while the one at Silverstrand Beach still persists.
No fish kill has been reported in the three occurrences.
"All three red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is common 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 Tai Tau Chau, Kai Lung Wan, Kau Sai, Leung Shuen Wan and Ma Nam Wat Fish Culture Zones to monitor the situation closely.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. AFCD's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Thursday, April 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:01
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