Press Releases
Red tides sighted
Friday, March 20, 2009
Two red tides had been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 20).
The first occurrence at Yim Tin Tsai Fish Culture Zone was reported by a mariculturist on March 15. The red tide dissipated on March 18.
Separately, Environmental Protection Department staff observed another red tide at Shing Mun River on March 17 and it still persists.
No associated death of fish was reported in the two occurrences.
"Both occurrences were formed by Heterosigma akashiwo, 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 Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Lo Fu Wat and Yung Shue Au 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.
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