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 (April 9).

     Environmental Protection Department staff observed a red tide at Shing Mun River on April 6. It dissipated today. No associated death of fish was reported in the occurrence.

     ¡°The red tide was formed by Plagioselmis prolonga, which is rare in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic,¡±a spokesman for the working group said.

     Red tide is a natural phenomenon. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department¡¯s proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.

Ends/Thursday, April 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:01

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