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Six red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 4).
The red tides were spotted at Silverstrand Beach and Hoi Ha Wan in Sai Kung, Junk Bay, Sham Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Cheung Sha Wan fish culture zones, East Lamma Channel and West Lamma Channel.
The red tides at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung and Junk Bay have already dissipated while the others still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported so far.
"The red tide at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung was formed by Akashiwo sanguinea and Noctiluca scintillans while the rest were formed by Akashiwo sanguinea. Both species are commonly found in Hong Kong waters and are non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
The non-toxic red tides at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi to O Pui Tong, Starling Inlet to Double Haven, Tolo Channel and in the waters of Sai Kung reported earlier still persist.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up monitoring of the fish culture zones in the close vicinity of the red tides. Mariculturists have been reminded 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 their impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Friday, March 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:09
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