2019/01/17
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Red tides sighted
Friday, March 27, 2015

Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 27).

Both red tides were spotted in Sai Kung this morning. One at Port Shelter near the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology was sighted by a member of the public, while one at Silverstrand Beach was sighted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The red flag was hoisted at the beach immediately.

Both red tides still persist but no associated death of fish has been reported.

"Both 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 Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan and Ma Nam 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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