Press Releases

Several red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 9).

Red tides were sighted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Marine Police, the Environmental Protection Department and members of the public at a number of locations during the period since January 5.

Beaches where red tides were spotted include Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung, Stanley Main Beach, Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Lo So Shing Beach on Lamma Island, Lido Beach in Tsuen Wan, Silver Mine Bay Beach on Lantau Island, Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Beach.

Red tides were also sighted at Nim Wan in Tuen Mun, Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone, Tai Lam near Marine Police West Division Base and Clear Water Bay to Tsam Chuk Wan including Port Shelter and Inner Port Shelter in Sai Kung.

The red tide at Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone still persists while the others have dissipated. No associated death of fish has been reported in these occurrences so far.

"All the red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters," a spokesman for the working group said.

The AFCD urged mariculturists at Po Toi, Po Toi O, Tung Lung Chau, Ma Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Kai Lung Wan, Kau Sai, Ma Nam Wat, Leung Shuen Wan, Tiu Cham Wan and Tai Tau Chau 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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