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 26 at Hoi Ha Wan. The second red tide was spotted by a member of the public at Long Harbour including the Sham Wan fish culture zone on the same day. Both red tides still persist.
No associated death of fish has been reported so far in both red tides.
A spokesman for the working group said, "Both red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and is non-toxic."
The AFCD urged mariculturists at the Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan and Sham Wan 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 to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:42
Issued at HKT 16:42
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