Three red tides have been sighted, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 4).
One red tide was spotted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Stanley Main Beach, Hong Kong Island, on January 2. The red tide has dissipated.
In addition, mariculturists spotted two red tides at Long Harbour and Sham Wan fish culture zone on January 2 and 4 respectively. The red tides still persist.
No associated death of fish has been reported so far in all three red tides.
A spokesman for the working group said, "Three red tides were formed by Mesodinium rubrum, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and is non-toxic."
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Po Toi, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan and Sham Wan 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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