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Red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (December 3).
Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff spotted red tide at Deep Water Bay Beach on November 29. Red flags were hoisted immediately. On November 30, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and Environmental Protection Department staff reported sightings of red tide from Chi Ma Wan to the Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zone, and Tsuen Wan Hoi Hing Road seashore respectively.
The red tide from Chi Ma Wan to the Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zone dissipated on December 1, while the others still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported.
"The red tide at Deep Water Bay Beach was formed by Phaeocystis globosa, which seldom occurs in Hong Kong waters. The red tide at Chi Ma Wan and Tsuen Wan was formed by a common species, Noctiluca scintillans. Both species are non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The AFCD has urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Po Toi, Ma Wan and Cheung Sha Wan to monitor the situation closely.
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, December 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:03
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