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Red tides sighted
Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 18).

Both red tides were spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on February 16 and 17. The first red tide was at Plover Cove to Kat O Hoi, Hoi Ha Wan and Tai Tan Hoi, including Wong Wan and Kau Lau Wan fish culture zones, while the other one was at Port Shelter near Shelter Island to Ping Min Chau.

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 AFCD urged mariculturists at Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Po Toi O, Ap Chau, Kat O, O Pui Tong, Sai Lau Kong, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Wong Wan, Sham Wan, 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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