Five red tides have been sighted, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (May 31).
Three red tides were spotted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) at Golden Beach, Castle Peak Beach and Cafeteria Old Beach in Tuen Mun on May 30. Red flags were hoisted at the Beaches immediately.
In addition, staff of the LCSD spotted two red tides at Cafeteria New Beach and Kadoorie Beach in Tuen Mun on May 31. Red flags were hoisted at the beaches immediately.
All five red tides still persist but no associated death of fish has been reported so far.
A spokesman for the working group said, "All five red tides were formed by Phaeocystis globosa, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters. According to overseas studies, Phaeocystis globosa can produce foam that may cause harmful effects to fish."
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Ma Wan fish culture zone 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 monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
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