Red tide sighted

     A red tide has been sighted over the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (September 15).

     The red tide was spotted by members of the public at Tolo Harbour (including Yim Tin Tsai and Yim Tin Tsai (East) fish culture zones) on September 12. The red tide persists and no associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.

     A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide was formed by Heterosigma akashiwo, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters. According to literature overseas, the algal species can produce neurotoxins and kill fish by damaging their gills."

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au and Lo Fu Wat 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 to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.