A red tide was sighted over the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (December 20).
On December 18, staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) spotted a red tide in the south-western waters of Hong Kong, including Ma Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Cheung Sha Wan fish culture zones. The red tide still 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 Phaeocystis globosa, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters. According to literature overseas, the algal species can produce foam that may affect fish."
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Ma Wan and Cheung Sha Wan 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.
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