Four red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters in the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 20).

     Staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department observed one red tide at Silverstrand Beach on January 16 and another at Tung Wan Beach on January 19. Red flags have been hoisted at the beaches. The one at Silverstrand Beach has dissipated on January 19 while the one at Tung Wan beach still persists.

     A red tide was sighted yesterday (January 19) by staff of the Environmental Protection Department at Sheung Sze Wan. The red tide dissipated this morning.

     The other occurrence was sighted on January 19 by staff of Hong Kong Ocean Park at Deep Water Bay.  The red tide still persists.

     "The red tide at Deep Water Bay was formed by Phaeocystis globosa. Red tide formed by this species is seldom seen in Hong Kong waters. The other three red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans. This is common in Hong Kong waters. Both species are non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.

     Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (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, January 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:01

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