Red tides sighted
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The first red tide was spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on April 24 in Tolo Harbour, including Yim Tin Tsai fish culture zone. Another red tide was spotted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department on April 25 at Silverstrand Beach, Sai Kung. A red flag was hoisted immediately.
The red tide in Tolo Harbour still persists while the other case at Silverstrand Beach has dissipated. No associated death of fish has been reported.
A spokesman for the working group said, "Red tide in Tolo Harbour was formed by Scrippsiella trochoidea and Takayama tuberculata, and red tide at Silverstrand Beach was formed by Noctiluca scintillans. While Takayama tuberculata is not common in Hong Kong waters, the other two algae are commonly found in Hong Kong waters. They are all are non-toxic."
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat and Ma Nam Wat fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.
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 27, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:01
Issued at HKT 16:01
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