Press Releases
Red tides sighted
Friday, February 13, 2009
Two red tides had been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 13).
The first occurrence was reported by staff of the Environmental Protection Department at Sham Tseng on February 10. The red tide still persists.
A member of the public observed a red tide at Tuen Mun Pier yesterday and it still persists.
No associated death of fish was reported in the two occurrences.
"Both occurrences were formed by Mesodinium rubrum, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic." a spokesman for the working group said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Ma Wan and Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zones to monitor the situation closely.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. AFCD's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends