Press Releases
Red tides sighted
Friday, February 20, 2009
Three red tides had been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 20).
Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff observed red tides at Deep Water Bay Beach and Stanley Main Beach on February 14. Red flags were hoisted at the beaches until February 16 when both red tides dissipated.
Separately, Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) staff observed a red tide at Kai Lung Wan Fish Culture Zone (from Kai Lung Wan to Kiu Tsui) on February 14. It dissipated on February 17.
No associated death of fish was reported in all three occurrences.
"All three occurrences were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
AFCD has urged mariculturists at Tai Tau Chau, Kai Lung Wan, Kau Sai, Ma Nam Wat, Sok Kwu Wan and Lo Tik 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