Coloane’s Hac Sa Beach has been hit by a red tide and residents and visitors are advised not to enter the coastal waters in the affected area, according to a statement by the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA).
According to the statement, the bureau has forwarded the red tide warning to the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM).
The statement further points out that since the swimming season hasn’t started yet, no life guards are on duty at Hac Sa Beach.
Members of the public are urged to phone the bureau on 66585336 if they notice anything unusual concerning the current situation.
According to Wikipedia, red tide is a common name for algal blooms, which are large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms, such as protozoans and unicellular algae (e.g. dinoflagellates and diatoms). The most conspicuous effects of red tides are the associated wildlife mortalities and harmful human exposure. The production of natural toxins such as brevetoxins and ichthyotoxins are harmful to marine life.
The undated handout file photo provided by the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) yesterday shows red tide affecting Hac Sa Beach.
