A red tide has been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 5).

A member of the public observed a red tide at Tung Ping Chau near Cham Keng on January 31. It dissipated on February 3. No associated death of fish was reported in the occurrence.

"The red tide was formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic." a spokesman for the working group said.

Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department'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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