Press Releases

Three red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 24).

Two red tides at Kei Ling Ha Hoi, which have already dissipated, were observed by a member of the public on January 20 and by a staff member of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on January 23 respectively.

Another red tide sighted by a member of the public at Pak Sha Wan near Marina Cove on January 22 still persists.

No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.

"The red tides at Kei Ling Ha Hoi were formed by Phaeocystis globosa and Noctiluca scintillans whereas the one at Pak Sha Wan near Marina Cove was formed by Phaeocystis globosa. Phaeocystis globosa is less common in Hong Kong waters, while Noctiluca scintillans is commonly found in Hong Kong waters. Both species are non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.

The AFCD urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai East, Ma Nam Wat, Yung Shue Au and Lo Fu Wat fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely.

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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