Red tide sighted
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    A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 2).

     The occurrence was reported by staff of the Environmental Protection Department at Nim Wan, Tuen Mun on January 30. The red tide still persists.

     "The red tide was formed by Heterosigma akashiwo. This is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.

     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, February 2, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:41

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