2019/01/17
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Red tides sighted
Thursday, March 29, 2018

Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 29).
 
Two red tides were spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on March 27 in Crooked Harbour near Lai Chi Wo and at A Ma Wan, Tung Ping Chau, respectively.
 
Both red tides still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported.
 
A spokesman for the working group said, "Red tide in Crooked Harbour was formed by Akashiwo sanguinea, and red tide in Tung Ping Chau was formed by Noctiluca scintillans, both are non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters."
 
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Wong Wan, Ap Chau, Kat O, O Pui Tong, Sai Lau Kong and Sha Tau Kok fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.
  
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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