Officials intensify monitoring of red tide in south China

World Today

Oceanic authorities in the city of Shenzhen in south China’s Guangdong Province have intensified monitoring operations after witnesses reported seeing red tide in the seawater.

The oceanic administration in Shenzhen found the 0.05-square kilometer (538,196 square feet) red tide in Dameisha sea area on Tuesday and identified the seaweeds as Noctiluca Scintillans, also known as sea sparkle.

Scientist said the mystical-looking red algae, also known as algal bloom, has no toxic effects.

“It’s not toxic. The seawater will be cleaner after red tide as it consumes large amount of nutrients in the water. Especially, the noctiluca scintillans occurred this time can devour a large number of submicroscopic particulates,” said Zhou Kai, director of the oceanic administration.

According to experts, the occurrence of Noctiluca Scintillans is not equal to the pollution of seawater as it involves various factors, such as meteorological conditions and hydrologic changes.

Guests at a Shenzhen resort found the red tide along Dameisha Beach on Monday.

This story is compiled with information from the CCTV News Content.