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Five red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 15).
Two red tides were sighted at Tathong Channel to Joss House Bay (including Tung Lung Chau Fish Culture Zone) and Clear Water Bay to Port Shelter yesterday (April 14). Three other red tides were sighted at Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung, Tolo Channel (including Lo Fu Wat Fish Culture Zone) and Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach today.
All red tides still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported.
A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide at Tolo Channel was formed by Noctiluca scintillans. The one at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach was formed by Noctiluca scintillans and Akashiwo sanguinea whereas the remaining ones were formed by Akashiwo sanguinea. Noctiluca scintillans and Akashiwo sanguinea are both non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters.蒅
The non-toxic red tides at Tolo Harbour to Long Harbour and Sai Kung waters reported earlier still persist.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up monitoring of the fish culture zones in the close vicinity of the red tides. Mariculturists have been reminded 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, April 15, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:04
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