2019/01/17
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Red tides sighted
Friday, January 2, 2015

Three red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 2).

The first red tide was spotted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Silverstrand Beach, Sai Kung, on December 24. The red flag was hoisted at the beach immediately. The other two red tides were reported by a mariculturist and staff of the Marine Department at Yim Tin Tsai fish culture zone and Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po, respectively, on December 28.

The red tides have already dissipated. No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.

"All the red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters," a spokesman for the working group said.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Leung Shuen Wan, Tiu Cham Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai East, Yung Shue Au and Lo Fu Wat fish culture zones 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.

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