Press Releases
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Two red tide sightings Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters in the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 27). Staff of the Environmental Protection Department observed a red tide at Shing Mun River on February 20. The red tide is dissipating. On the other hand, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department observed another one at Silverstrand Beach on February 21. A red flag was hoisted. The red tide dissipated the following day. The red tide at Shing Mun River was formed by Prorocentrum minimum. It is common in Hong Kong waters and is non-toxic,!¨ a spokesman for the working group said. The one at Silverstrand Beach was formed by Trichodesmium erythraeum which is rare in Hong Kong waters. Though itching and burning upon skin contact were reported elsewhere, this kind of reaction has not been recorded in Hong Kong." The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has informed mariculturists in Tung Lung, Po Toi O and Kau Sai fish culture zones of the red tide and urged them to monitor the situation closely,¨ he said. 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.
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