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Two red tide occurrences have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (April 4).
The first case at Silver Mine Bay Beach was reported by Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff on April 2. Red flag was hoisted on the beach. It dissipated the following day.
Another occurrence at Tuen Mun Tsing Shan Wan reported by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department staff on April 2 also dissipated the following day.
"Both red tides were formed by Akashiwo sanguinea, which is not common in Hong Kong waters and is non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The department's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:56
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